Kenneth Rick Juechter

Kenneth Rick Juechter, age 79, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2024, in Rancho Cordova, California. He was born on March 9, 1945, in Phoenix, Arizona. His parents were Neva Lea LaDuke and William Henry Juechter. He grew up in Long Beach with a large family which included two sisters, Dorothy Kafader and Kathy Walker and two brothers, William Henry Juechter, Jr. and Jesse L. Juechter. 

He enlisted in the Army in 1962, where he received training as a medical specialist. He served overseas in Germany as a Hospital Attendant with the 8th Evacuation Hospital USAREUR. After his honorable discharge, he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology at California State University, Stanislaus. 

For most of his working life, Kenneth was a licensed contractor specializing in mobile home repairs. What he liked best about his work was that he was able to help people. He was also a skilled silversmith and a lifelong rockhound. He and his life partner, Vilia Landavazo, made jewelry and set up booths at various Gem and Mineral Shows. The couple were members of the Stockton Lapidary and Mineral Club. A theme throughout their lives together was generosity of spirit and helping others. They were tickled by how much a free rock could make people happy. They loved sharing their passion for minerals, rocks, and jewelry with others, often discounting pieces so people could leave with all the items they coveted. 

Kenneth was a loving father of two children, Jeremy Juechter and Jennifer Lage. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeremy, his father, William Henry Juechter, mother, Neva Lea LaDuke, brother, William Henry Juechter, Jr., sister, Dorothy Kafader, and brother, Jesse L. Juechter. He is survived by Vilia Landavazo, his life partner of over thirty years, his daughter, Jennifer Lage and her husband, Jeremy Lage, and their children, Tyler Austin Lage, William James Lage, and Lucas Wyatt Lage, and his sister, Kathy Walker and her husband, Daniel Walker. 

Kenneth will be laid to rest in the National Cemetery in Dixon, California. There will be a graveside service on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. A memorial will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Rescue Community Center, located at 4180 Green Valley, Road, Rescue, CA 95672.