Richard Carl Wecker, M.D.

Richard Carl Wecker, M.D. affectionately known as “Doc,” passed away at his winter home in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., on December 9, 2022. He was the only son of Rueben and Helen (Shively) Wecker of Plainview, Neb. Doc has one sibling, a sister Janet who still lives in Nebraska. He is survived by his two sons, Ross and Ryan, who were lucky to have a father like him and their wives, Erin and Chelsea, and his adored grandchildren, Rowan and Renee.

Doc was predeceased by the love his life, Evelyn Bernice Phillips (Evie). He met Evie at the University of Nebraska, but ultimately followed her to Colorado and Montana where they shared a love of the outdoors. On Christmas Eve, 1973, Doc and Evie married in a beautiful frontier church in her hometown of Livingston, Mont. Their love of mountains brought them to Thermopolis, Wyo., where both their sons were born. The family eventually moved to Riverton where they made many new friends, but Doc never lost contact with the friends he made in Thermop, who remained dear to him always.

Doc lived an exemplary life. He worked as clerk in his family’s store, Eblinger Hardware, and farmed the family’s land. He would eventually attend medical school at the University of Nebraska, graduated at the top of his class, and become an Orthopedic Surgeon. In between those accomplishments he was as a ski bum, backcountry horseman, pilot, and mechanic—he could wrench together anything that was broken, and we will miss having him around to keep us all well-tuned.

He loved the mountains, Wyoming, dogs, the Blues, anything with a motor, and everything that went fast. If you met him, he loved you too, and he will be missed.

If you would like information on services to be held after the holidays, please email your contact information to richardweckerservice@gmail.com.