At the age of 78, William Eric “Rick” Wohle passed away peacefully in his home in Manteca, California on July 2, 2023, surrounded by his wife and two children. He was born on November 23, 1944, in Yuba City, California, to the late William and Enid Wohle and was a dedicated brother to Hank, Kathy and Hazel Wohle.
Rick grew up in Carmichael, California, where his parents were educators and coaches, which instilled in him a driven work ethic and sense of service. He grew up playing football and baseball, and later went on to play football for San Jose State University, Sierra College, and Sacramento State College as a lineman. It was in Sacramento where he met Susan Trowbridge whom he married on June 17, 1967. He pursued a career in education and coaching, and moved with his wife to Manteca, California in 1968 where he built a lasting legacy within the community.
Rick later earned his master’s degree from Chapman University in 1971. Rick was a dedicated educator who started out teaching 6th grade at Lindbergh School and later taught high school history at Calla and East Union High Schools. He coached football at Manteca High School and both football and baseball and East Union High School. One of his favorite coaching memories was coaching the East Union undefeated 1974 Varsity football team that also won the school its first VOL Championship. In 1972, he became a father to son Eric, and in 1977 to his daughter Heidi. In 1976 he was promoted into administration and served as the Principal of the Manteca Adult School, and later became the Director of Secondary Education for Manteca Unified School District. Rick retired in 2003 after serving as an educator for over 35 years.
In addition to his career, Rick believed strongly in contributing to the Manteca community. He joined Saint Paul's United Methodist Church, where he was at one time, part of the Staff Parish Committee. He was a member of the Manteca Rotary Club and served as its president from 2002-2003. Rick also served many years as a commissioner on the Manteca Parks and Recreation Commission and volunteered countless hours for the Manteca Dolphins Swim Team. In recent years, he served as a member of the Galt Irrigation District, and as a board member for the Clay Water District, the Consumnes Groundwater Authority, and the Sacramento-Amador Water Quality Alliance. Beyond serving the community, Rick’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was a devoted father who always took the time to support his children in their athletic, creative and academic pursuits; spending countless hours at practices, later flying to attend their events in college, and supported their careers as they grew older.
He was engaged in the lives of his grandkids, always interacting with them: swimming in the pool together; decorating cookies; hosting sleepovers and holiday functions; and attending their sporting events and academic milestones. He was their biggest cheerleader and sideline coach, always encouraging them to pursue their dreams and offering unwavering support. In his retirement he enjoyed golfing and was known as an exceptional cook. He was an avid reader and student of history, especially the Civil War, and traveled to many battlefields. Later in retirement he began working in agriculture, establishing an almond farming operation. His venture into building an agricultural business was always with his family in mind, and a desire to leave a living legacy.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan, his children Eric (Crystal) Wohle and Heidi (Christian) Steinecker, and was known by “Papa” and “Opa” to his six grandchildren, Ryan, Kevin, Liam (Wohle), Mason and Claire (Souverville), and Bryce (Steinecker).
Anyone who knew Rick, knew his fun-loving, work hard, play hard nature, and his fondness for travel. Whether it was international vacations, road trips throughout the country, or simply a weekend trip to Lake Tahoe or the beach in Aptos, he enjoyed making memories with good friends, good food, and good wine. His impact on the lives of former students, his contributions to the Manteca community, and the warmth he brought to his loved ones are a testament to his exceptional character and the legacy upon the community he leaves behind. Rick will be missed by many but remembered for years to come by those who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 29th at 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church with a reception immediately following at the Manteca Transit Center. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to send a donation in his name to the Boys and Girls Club of Manteca.
P.L. Fry and Son is honored to be serving the Wohle family, an online tribute page is available for condolences at www.plfryandson.com
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, July 15, 2023
