Richard Joseph Mooney, “Rick,” “Coach,” “Pops,” “Dad,” “Grandpa,” 72, of Spooner, Wis., died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on June 24, 2025.

He was born in Oregon, Wis. to Kathleen Mooney and was lovingly raised by his Grandma Genevieve, Grandpa Joe Sr., and Uncle Joe Mooney. He graduated from Holy Name High School in Madison, Wis. in 1971. He went on to graduate with honors from Edgewood College in 1976 with a degree in history and a minor in journalism, then earned his master’s degree in mass communication and natural resources communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

During his career, Rick earned numerous national awards for his journalistic and photographic talents. He started as a general assignment reporter for the Oregon Reporter in Oregon, Wis., entertained listening audiences as an announcer on WLKE radio, was associate editor of Missouri Ruralist in Columbia, Mo. and was associate editor for Farm Journal. He successfully launched his own freelance photography and writing business in 1987. He worked for a variety of clients for 37 years.

Rick married the love of his life, Sue, on November 8, 1980. He is survived by Sue and the family they created together including their sons Joseph (Rachael), Robert (Brigid), and Benjamin (Hadley), and granddaughters Alexa, Kayla, Leah, and Amelia. He is also survived by his brother Chuck’s widow, Mary, and niece Katie; his sister, Mary Ellen; and his brother, Tom (Kay), and their children Dan and TJ. He was preceded in death by his brothers Chuck, Denny, and Tim.

Rick enjoyed a variety of activities, including outdoor photography, reading, and listening to country and folk music. He looked for any opportunity to share his time with his wife and family, whether it be bird hunting, canoeing, fishing, and watching sports, especially when his children or grandchildren were playing or coaching. He was a founding coach of Northland Badger Soccer Club prior to becoming a founding head coach of the Spooner/Shell Lake High school soccer program. He coached the boys’ high school team for 10 years and the girls’ high school team for six years. Rick and Sue worked together to create their family farm, Blue Rock Ranch, starting with cattle and later becoming a vegetable garden, which grew enough produce to share with up to 107 people. He loved to laugh and share his humor through jokes and stories with his friends and family. He was proud to know he will be remembered as an honorable man who was a loving husband, a wonderful dad and a great friend.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, June 30, at St. Francis de Sales church in Spooner. Visitation will be followed by a Catholic funeral mass at 12 noon, officiated by Fr. Andy Ricci with music provided by Rick’s friend, Al Hershey. A luncheon will follow mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to please consider a donation to an organization representative of your relationship with Rick.

Last Update: Jun 26, 2025 7:06 am CDT