Richard Stanley Wieland

Richard Stanley “Rick” Wieland, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful servant, and respected parks and recreation leader, passed away on July 16, 2026, in Frisco, Texas. He was 71 years old.

Rick was born on April 19, 1955, in Ogden, Utah, to Harvey Joseph Wieland and Donna Jean Wieland. He grew up in Arlington, Texas, where he graduated from Lamar High School in 1974. During his school years, Rick enjoyed playing baseball, a sport he continued to enjoy throughout his life.

After high school, Rick attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he earned a degree in history and education. Although his degree prepared him for the classroom, Rick ultimately found his calling in public service and parks and recreation—a career through which he would make a lasting impact on several North Texas communities.

Rick began his career with the City of Arlington Parks and Recreation Department. He later served as Director of Parks and Recreation for the cities of Cedar Hill and Coppell before joining the City of Frisco as the city’s first Director of Parks and Recreation. He worked tirelessly and loyally for Frisco for more than 25 years. Rick’s leadership, experience, and vision became tremendous assets to the city during a period of extraordinary growth. His work helped Frisco expand its parks, recreational opportunities, and quality of life for countless residents and families. Rick was passionate about his career and approached his responsibilities with humility, integrity, and an unwavering work ethic.

Even while traveling, Rick could not resist studying the parks and golf courses around him. Copper Mountain, Colorado, became one of his favorite destinations. He treasured summer trips there with his family and especially enjoyed returning during the fall with his wife, Luanne. He loved taking in the scenery, visiting local parks, hiking, and spending time relaxing with his family.

Among Rick and Luanne’s other memorable travels were trips to Las Vegas, New York City, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, and Vancouver, Canada. They especially enjoyed spending time on Bainbridge Island, where they could sit together and watch the boats pass by.

Rick and Luanne first met while they were both working at Six Flags Over Texas. They began dating in 1975 and were married on November 3, 1978, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. Their marriage was built upon love, friendship, faith, and a lifetime of shared experiences.

The first church they joined together was St. John’s United Methodist Church, where they developed many meaningful friendships and found a supportive community during an important season of their lives. More recently, Rick and Luanne became members of Redemption Anglican Church in Frisco. Rick faithfully served on the vestry at both churches throughout the years. His service reflected the way he lived his life—with quiet faithfulness, generosity, and a sincere desire to help others.

Rick was easygoing, thoughtful, humble, and kind. He was slow to anger, quick to laugh, and almost always positive. When difficulties arose, he could often be heard reassuring those around him, “It’s going to be okay.” His calm and warm presence made people feel safe, and his wonderful laugh brought joy to those who knew him.

Rick consistently placed the needs of others before his own. He possessed a true servant’s heart and was always willing to lend a hand. Whether he was serving his family, his church, or his community, Rick never sought attention or recognition. He simply saw what needed to be done and quietly did his part.

Above all else, Rick loved his family. He shared special experiences with each of his sons. He enjoyed Indian Guides and campouts with Jay, took great pride in listening to Colby play the drums, and attended Texas Rangers games with Sam.

Rick was a loyal fan of the Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks. He held season tickets for both teams and made many lasting memories attending games with family and friends. He also enjoyed playing golf whenever he had the opportunity.

The holidays were especially meaningful to Rick and his family. Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Halloween brought many memorable traditions and gatherings. At Christmas, Rick was always in charge of the stockings, a responsibility he embraced and made special for everyone.

Rick also enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: good pizza, hamburgers with extra sauce, watching movies he had seen countless times on television, listening to The Ticket, drinking Diet Sunkist, and enjoying the German chocolate cake Luanne lovingly made for him.

In 2018, Rick received the extraordinary gift of a kidney donation from one of Luanne’s closest friends, Cindy Sue Gepfert. Rick and his family remained deeply grateful to Cindy Sue and would never forget her selfless act of kindness, which gave them more precious years and memories together.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey Joseph Wieland and Donna Jean Wieland.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Luanne Wieland; his sons, James Alexander “Jay” Wieland and wife, Carolina, Colby Scott Wieland, and Samuel Duke Wieland; his grandchildren, James, Eleanor, Heather, and John; his faithful dog, Nellie; and many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives were touched by his kindness, leadership, and service.

Rick leaves behind a legacy found not only in the parks and communities he helped build, but also in the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless people he encouraged along the way. His steady assurance that “It’s going to be okay” will continue to comfort those who loved him.

The Wieland family would like to thank the many medical professionals who faithfully cared for and supported Rick’s health over the last 11 years, including Dr. Sander Gothard, Dr. Joseph Liechty, Dr. Justin Kane, Dr. Sam Woolbert, Dr. Jill Wisdom, Dr. Aris Tsiakos, Dr. Sameera Tallapureddy, and Dr. Michelle Butler. The family is also deeply grateful to the heroic nurses and medical teams at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – PGA Frisco, Legent Orthopedic Hospital Carrollton, DaVita Dialysis in Prosper and Plano, and the transplant teams at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Mayo Clinic.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rick’s honor to the American Kidney Fund at www.kidneyfund.org/ways-give or to Redemption Anglican Church at www.redemption-anglican.org.