Richard James Meinders was the firstborn son on Aug. 19, 1959, to Clarence W. and Wilma Jean (De Graaf) Meinders in Oskaloosa. He grew up on an acreage north of Pella with his four brothers. Richard graduated from Pella Christian High School in 1978.
He loved being outdoors, hunting, trapping, and fishing. He was employed briefly by Red Rock Rubber and Vermeer. He also worked for farmers helping with livestock and raising cattle. This spring, he went to look at the eagles by Roberts Creek with his mother. In the winter, he would also take his mother along to go look at the deer in the fields. With his father in The Cottages, he would help his mother with many things. He endured many physical injuries that affected him for the rest of his life. Later in life, he would go down to the dam. His nieces and nephews were very important to him, he cherished them all, and was especially close to Meaghan. Richard was well-respected by many people in the cattle business for his knowledge of the industry. On May 27, 2021, he was diagnosed with colon cancer; he passed on July 11 at the Pella Comfort House.
Richard is survived by his parents Clarence and Wilma Meinders; and his brothers: Ronald Meinders, Kenneth and Beth Meinders, Calvin Meinders, and Stanley and Sam Meinders; and several nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his grandparents Tim and Della (Van Hulzen) Meinders and Gerrit and Minnie (Vander Wilt) De Graaf and many aunts and uncles.
