Mankato, Minnesota - Rick Van Blarcom

Rick Van Blarcom of Mankato, MN passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the age of 61.

Rick was the devoted husband of Colleen (Bambery); the loving father of Jessi Marie of Mankato, MN, Ryan Patrick of Brookfield, WI and Luke Thomas of St. Louis Park, MN. He loved them fiercely.

Rick is survived by his mother Judy, of Madison, WI, his mother-in-law, Marilu Bambery of Mankato, MN, his sisters Diane (Dan) McCarthy and Debbie (Ralph) Van Blarcom as well as his brother Dave Van Blarcom. He is further survived by sisters-in-law, Mary McNulty and Keri (Dan) Solheid.

Uncle Rick was beloved by Amy, Nicole, Tina, Danielle, Brianna, Jared, Megan, Danny, Patrick, Lindsay, Michael Finbar, Jana and Ashley. He was a proud uncle to six great nieces and nephews. He was the honorary uncle to Alex and Jada Blokhuis. Aubri and Michael Blokhuis also held a special place in his heart.

Rick was preceded in death by his grandparents Don and Margaret Wonn, his father-in-law Jerry Bambery, his brother-in-law Barry McNulty, his best friend Mike "Hoose" Blokhuis and his beloved dog, Hondo.

Rick had an uncanny ability to make everyone he met feel special. He made a lasting impact on the lives of many young people at Bamco McDonalds and Franklin Elementary School. He had a special way of making everyone feel valued, seen and important.

Rick never took life, or himself, too seriously. He was goofy, he was energetic — he was a kid at heart. He had a passion for cycling and pickleball. He loved fishing, snowmobiling and researching the countries he traveled to. He was known for his collection of vacuums and cleaning supplies. He was a Wisconsin sports enthusiast and proud Green Bay Packer shareholder. His superpower was his ability to make friends everywhere he went. Rick leaves behind a spirit of genuine kindness, happiness, hard work, and laughter that will not be forgotten.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Crossview Covenant Church, 2000 W. Howard Drive, North Mankato at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, June 5, 2026, at Northview - North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato and will continue one hour before service at the church on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The VB Family Charitable Fund. 1819

Adams Street, #337, Mankato, MN 56001 or Ronald McDonald House Southeastern MN & Western WI. 850 2nd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902.

Keep the Faith!