Richard Cyril "Rick" Aelvoet of Hondo, passed away at home surrounded by family on August 11, 2022 at the age of 72. He was born November 13, 1949 to Cyril Richard Aelvoet and Alice Verstuyft in San Antonio, Texas.

He attended St. John Berchmans Catholic School and graduated from LaSalle Catholic High School in 1967.

A fourth generation Belgian-American farmer, Rick and his cousins Phil and Gary were out working side by side with their dad's and Piet (grandfather) on their property in Von Ormy. They grew vegetables and grains many of which were sold at the Terminal market in downtown San Antonio.

Rick was introduced to the love of his life, Rose Marie Calle at the San Antonio Vegetable Show in 1968 by his cousin, Larry Persyn. The two began dating and married at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Selma, Texas on July 10, 1971, recently celebrating 51 years of love and devotion.

In 1976, Rick and Rose decided to establish their own business and began farming south of Sabinal.  He gained experience farming, and they created many life-long friends. The crops he raised included eggplant, cucumbers, bell pepper, cabbage, carrots, guar, onions, corn, cotton, and milo. In July 1983, God blessed Rick and Rose with a bumper crop of cotton that allowed them to purchase their farm south of Hondo. In 1986, they moved to the new farm and leased additional land where Rick continued to raise vegetables. Rick retired from farming in 2015 and continued to enjoy fishing and visiting with friends and family.

Survivors include his wife; children and their spouses, Kim and David Birch of Spring Branch, Christopher and Cassie Aelvoet of Hondo, and Lauren and Philip Rothe of Hondo; grandchildren, Mason, Owen, and Landon Birch, Cade, Colten, and Carter Aelvoet, Dylan, Amelia, and Bennett Rothe; siblings, Hilde Persyn, Brenda Foegelle (Patrick), Laura Schmidt (James), Sandy Kunkel (Ronald), Robert Aelvoet (Elaina), and Lisa Aelvoet; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Bob Persyn.

The Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2022 followed by the Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hondo. Services will conclude at the church.

Memorials may be made in Rick's memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (www.michaeljfox.org), the Medina County 4-H Club, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com.