Support Our Mom Stephanie After the Sudden Loss of Rick Voght

Three weeks ago, our mom Stephanie and her husband Rick—our stepdad—both came down with a severe case of Influenza A. While they initially thought it would run its course, things took a tragic turn. Rick’s illness developed into pneumonia, and Stephanie’s into bronchitis. Both of them were extremely weak and struggling to recover, exhausted by even the simplest daily tasks.

Rick had just begun going back to work for half-days the week leading up to May 17th. Stephanie remained out on medical leave. A coworker of Rick’s shared that he had mentioned feeling winded just walking to his car, and she urged him to return to urgent care. He told her he would—but sadly, he didn’t follow through, and he didn’t mention this to Stephanie.

On Saturday, May 17th, Rick and Stephanie were getting ready to do something joyful—take their dog for a pup cup at Starbucks and drive out to see the new warehouse Rick’s company would be moving into. Stephanie had asked him to add power steering fluid to her car before they left. When Rick went into the garage to get the fluid, he tripped on a tarp and fell. Stephanie went outside to check on him when he didn’t return and found him on the ground. Unable to lift him on her own, she got his son, Richard, to help. Rick responded to a couple of questions, but as they tried to help him to his feet, he suddenly went limp. His color changed, his eyes dilated, and Richard immediately began CPR while Stephanie called 911. First responders worked on Rick for 30–40 minutes, but he could not be revived.

We believe his pneumonia had worsened, and the fall may have triggered cardiac arrest due to lack of oxygen in his bloodstream. The loss was sudden, shocking, and absolutely devastating.

To make things even more difficult, Rick was the one who handled all the couple’s finances, including online accounts, passwords, and bill management. Now, Stephanie is left to figure it all out while also grieving the love of her life.

We have reason to believe Rick may have had a 401(k) from a previous employer, but locating and accessing those funds—if they exist—is a lengthy process, and not guaranteed to be available in time to help with burial and urgent expenses. Right now, we simply don’t have the financial ability to cover all the immediate costs.

To add to the heartbreak, during open enrollment last October, Rick and Stephanie were advised by a benefits rep not to purchase life insurance due to their age and projected return. They regretted that decision and had planned to buy coverage this coming October 2025—but tragically, time ran out.

Stephanie now faces the overwhelming cost of burial, along with all of the household expenses they had previously managed with two incomes.

We are setting up this GoFundMe to help ease some of that burden—to cover burial costs and support our mom as she tries to stay afloat during this incredibly painful and uncertain time.

Rick was a man of great character and deep involvement in his community. He was a proud and active member of:

* NN HOG

* The Patriot Guard

* The Elks Club

* Reno FUMC, where he served on several church committees

*Veterans guest house

He was deeply devoted to his family and an incredibly proud, hands-on grandpa. His absence is already being felt by so many.

If you knew Rick, you know how selflessly he gave his time and love. If you know Stephanie, you know how much she has always supported and cared for others. Now she needs that same support in return.

Please consider donating to help our mom get through this heartbreaking time. Every contribution—no matter how small—will go directly toward burial expenses and helping her regain her footing in the wake of this sudden tragedy.

Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and for helping us honor the memory of a truly special man.

With love and gratitude,

The Voght Family