Richard "Rick" Koller Sr.
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
On July 4, 2026, Richard Lee “Rick” Koller, Sr., 79, of Spokane, WA, passed away, surrounded by loved ones, after a year-long battle with cancer.
On January 1, 1947, Rick was born in Lewiston, ID, at the hospital closest to his parents’ home in Pomeroy, WA. As a child, he followed his Papa Gimlin around, picking up colorful words essential in ranching, farming, and general wheeling and dealing. In school, he was active in baseball, golf, football, and boxing. He continued his boxing career at Washington State University (under Ike Deeter), where he advanced to pre-Olympic contests and only being eliminated when he had to compete in a higher weight class.
He graduated from WSU with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology in 1970 and began his career as the pharmacist for the newly opened Professional Mall Pharmacy in Pullman.
In 1978, Rick married Jeanette and became a dad to her three children: Crystal, Andrea, and Joe. He loved and supported them as his very own. They were blessed with their son, Rick, Jr., in 1981.
Rick had a diverse career, initially working as a "Detail Man" for Wyeth, and then Abbott Laboratories for 40 years. Rick won many outstanding sales awards, including multiple awards to the All Star Team.
In addition to his “real” job he owned and managed many apartment rentals in Spokane, and motels in the Lewis-Clark Valley, and a development on the Clearwater River. Along the way, he attained his real estate license before becoming a real estate broker and owner of Realty Mart in Spokane. He also spent 3 years on the Board of Directors for the Whitworth Water District.
Rick was an avid reader of the stock trade and investment books, he also read career oriented books, as well as self-improvement books. He was a member of several organizations: the Jaycees, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Toastmasters.
Rick was affectionately known as Mr. Wonderful to family and friends, Uncle Rick to those who needed an “attitude adjustment”, and will always be remembered for his “Grandpa Kollerisms” (which brought many smiles and laughs).
Rick is survived by his wife, of 48 years, Jeanette, daughter Andrea (Matt) Hobson, sons Joe (Liza) Koller, Rick (Stefi) Koller Jr., grandchildren Madelyn, Zach and Nicolette Hobson; Karina Sweet-Rodegeb, Zidane and Finley Koller; Bruce and Jayne Koller, sisters Sandra (Dave) Brunstetter and Kerri (Ed) Ledgerwood, sister-in-law Stephanie Koller, brother-in-law Ron Larison, along with numerous nieces and nephews and countless cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Wilma, brother Donny, and daughter Crystal Geer.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 pm, Sunday,July 26, at the Bozarth Mansion, 12415 N Fairwood Dr, Spokane, WA, 99218.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks you to donate to the Union Gospel Mission of Spokane as it was one of Rick’s favorite charities to support.
We were truly better people because we knew Rick Koller. We met him in the LC Valley and he was so kind! We enjoyed visiting at a local watering hole. He was a good friend to our family. He was so thoughtful to us when my dad passed several years ago and we always kept in touch with his business ventures and travels. After his ski accident we didn't see him as much and our favorite watering hole closed. But our family talked of him often. We are thankful for such a great man, his faith and kindness to so many inspired us. We considered him a dear friend. He will be missed. I hope he and my dad are…
Such a wonderful picture of a wonderful man and cousin! You are loved and will be missed!
RIP until we meet again. 💔