Richard (Rick) Warren Pletan, 75, passed away and was brought home to heaven on May 14, 2024. Rick was a man of integrity, pride, and respect. He never did anything half-way. Rick was born in Steele, North Dakota on September 12, 1948, to Colleen and Howard Pletan. Rick enjoyed growing up in Steele and was a friend to all. He was thankful for the many strong and lasting friendships he had with his classmates. Rick had fond memories of being a part of the football team, basketball team, choir, Luther League, and the class plays in high school. He enjoyed bowling, playing cards, and singing (although he never knew the right words). Rick cherished his memories of the good times he had with friends in Steele. He graduated from Steele High School in 1966.

Rick was adventurous and dreamt big. With a strong work ethic and caring personality, he held himself to a high standard. Rick worked full time to pay his way through college at North Dakota State University. He was a part of the SAE fraternity and Air Force ROTC. Although Rick spent much of his time in college working, he made the most of it and formed some great lasting friendships. He enjoyed cheering for NDSU football as an Alumni. Rick graduated college in June of 1970 at 21 years old and headed straight for Undergraduate Pilot Training at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma – he had never even been in an airplane before. Rick served in the United States Air Force for nine and a half years. He was a Vietnam War veteran, being awarded three Air Medals and receiving a Distinguished Flying Cross. Rick left the Air Force at the rank of a Captain. He valued his time in the Air Force and never forgot about the camaraderie he enjoyed so much of. After the Air Force, Rick was a Captain for Air Florida for four years. During this time, Rick found his passion for racehorses. He owned numerous racehorses and won many races throughout the rest of his life. There was a point where Rick owned 14 horses at once. Again, Rick made many lasting friendships in the horse racing industry that he cherished deeply. When Rick left Air Florida, he became a Captain at United Airlines. Rick worked at United for 27 years until retirement. Rick said on one of his final days that if he could experience two things for himself again, it would be to fly a T-38 and to win a horse race.

Rick's oldest son, Richard H. Pletan was born in July of 2001, and his youngest son, Michael W. Pletan was born in July of 2003. Rick raised his sons with his wife, Marisol Pletan. Rick and Marisol pushed both of their boys to do their best in academics, athletics, and life. Rick was always very proud of both of them, and they were the biggest joys of his life. Rick was thankful for the other parents he was able to meet and become friends with through his two boys.

Rick spent the last three years of his life living happily in Stone Creek in Ocala, Florida. He enjoyed his time meeting friends while playing softball, pickleball, and poker. Rick was also able to buy one more racehorse and win his final race in 2022 while living in Ocala. In the last few years of his life, Rick began dedicating his life more towards Jesus Christ. He was a believer and encouraged his family and friends to follow in the ways of the Bible.

Rick is survived by his children, Richard H. and Michael W, his brother Jerry Adams, his sister Linda Berka, and many extended family and loyal friends. Rick was predeceased by his father Howard and his mother Colleen Pletan.