Services set 10 a.m., Dec. 2 in Madera
The family of Richard Kuckenbecker announced his passing on November 27, 2022, at the age of 82. Richard was born in Sanger, California, on May 2, 1940, to his loving parents, Ruth and Lowell Kuckenbecker. Richard moved to Madera in 1945. Richard and his wife Lynne are the owners of Kuckenbecker Tractor Company, which has been serving the needs of Central Valley Farmers since 1945. In 1945, Richard’s father, Lowell Kuckenbecker, bought the Madera dealership and opened it as Kuckenbecker Tractor Co.
At the age of 21, Richard began selling tractors in Madera while, at the time, playing baseball for Pete Biden at Fresno State. Richard ultimately took over the operation of the business and moved the Madera dealership to its current location. In 1982 Richard purchased Fresno Ford Tractor from Chuck Stephan and built a second Kuckenbecker Tractor dealership in Fresno, which still stands today.
Richard was a passionate supporter of Far West Equipment Dealers Association (FWEDA). Kuckenbecker Tractor has been a FWEDA member for several decades. Richard served on the FWEDA Board of Directors and as President from 1988-1989. He was selected for the Presidents Award in 1999 for his commitment to the industry.
The Madera District Chamber of Commerce named Richard as its 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree. He has always been dedicated to his community. He is a founding member and President of the Madera County Ag Boosters, serves on the board of the California State University, Fresno Ag One. He was a member of the National Association of Farm Equipment Dealers, Ford Motor Company Dealer Council, and Madera Historical Society. Richard served as a judge for the Fresno Bee Excellence in Business award. He has also won the Madera District Fair Blue Ribbon award. For his civic duty, he served on the Madera Planning Commission. Richard was selected as the first Madera District Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Person of the Year for his service to the community. He has received the Fresno County Farm Bureau Distinguished Service award and the Fresno Bee Excellence in Business Award for Agriculture.
Richard was an avid sportsman and sports fan. In addition to playing baseball, Richard played racquetball with several of his longtime buddies. Richard and Lynne also made routine trips to San Francisco to support the San Francisco Giants and San Francisco 49ers. To this day, he has the same seats at Oracle Park. He enjoyed many family trips with his children, including snow skiing, water skiing, and other physical activities.
Richard is lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Lynne Kuckenbecker. Children: Kristiane (Robert) Turner and Karin (Keith) Pace. Daughter-in-law: Joanna Kuckenbecker. Grandchildren: Cole Turner, Kyla Turner, Riley Reif, Mallory Kuckenbecker, Chase Kuckenbecker and Kyle Kuckenbecker. Richard is predeceased by his son Erich Richard Kuckenbecker.
The funeral services will begin on Thursday, December 1, 2022, with visitation for Richard from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Jay Chapel. The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 2, 2022, at 10:00 am at Jay Chapel.’
Remembrances may be made to the Madera County Ag Boosters, 800 Madera Avenue, Madera, CA 93637.
