Richard Matthew Canales

Richard “Rick” Matthew Canales of Mosinee, formerly Stevens of Point, died peacefully, surrounded by his family at his home in Mosinee on July 14th, 2024, at the age of 45, after a hard-fought battle with Glioblastoma.

Rick was born on May 20, 1979, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin to Mary Margaret Golla (nee Burtley). He spent his early childhood living in Stevens Point. There was a short time he called Fargo North Dakota home. He attend area schools, graduating from SPASH in 1997. He spent his youth the same way many did in the 80s and 90s. Staying out until (or after) the streetlights came on, playing with neighborhood friends, going to Silver and Vicky’s for candy, fishing, and delivering paper. Of course he was an amazing big brother to his sister Christina. Which he said, “I was her only one! It was easy without competition.” According to him, he spent his teen years doing “lots of fishin’ and lots of drinkin”. He began working for Myron Soik and Son’s in 1997 and remained a dedicated employee until 2023, when he “retired” due to his diagnosis. He always had such funny stories to share about work. One of his favorites was talking about spraying crop with Myron, which always seemed to be an adventure or picking rocks with the “old man.” Working there made the Soik’s his family, and he cherished and loved each of them and his time there. In his 20’s, he shot darts for Stockton Bar. He continued to enjoy and love fishing, getting a cast out as often as he could. In 2004, he met the woman he’d spend his life with. He always said he knew the 2nd day they hung out that they were meant to be. He married that girl, Kalie Simonis, on May 27th, 2006, in Mosinee, Wisconsin. Rick and Kalie built a beautiful life and family together. Being together 20 years and married 18 of those years. Rick would say, he was more reserved so Kalie could be more wild. He never questioned her crazy ideas and went along with them willingly. One of Rick’s greatest accomplishments in his life was being a Father to his six children. Becoming a father for the first time in 1998, again in 2006 and 2007, and then the adoption of three more sons in 2019. Rick excelled at being a sports dad, cheer dad, choir dad and dance dad. Watching his kids activities was one of his greatest joys in life. Everything he did in life was for his family, and he had no issues let you know that. Rick also enjoyed going out on the boat, being with family and friends and of course fishing.

Rick is survived by his wife, Kalie Canales (nee Simonis), Mosinee, son Cody Dahms, Stevens Point, daughter, Olivia and sons, Dagien, Mason, Zanden and Zayn Canales, all home. Mother, Mary Margaret Golla, Stevens Point. Sister Christina (Joshua) Montgomery, Stevens Point. Mother-in-Law, Lisa Simonis, Mosinee, Sister-in-law Ashley (Joshua) Chaney. Nephews: Malachi, Newnan GA, and Xander Montgomery, Stevens Point and nieces, Shelby and Maci Chaney, Mosinee. He is further survived by his aunts, uncles, cousins, the Soik family, friends and his wife’s extended family as well as his beloved dogs, Violet, Daisy and Moose.

He is preceded in death by his Maternal Grandparents, Milton and Mary Ann Burtley, cousin Gary Jakubek, Uncle Ronald Jakubek and Father-in-law Brian Simonis.

A Gathering of Family and Friend will take place on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. In leu of flowers, donations can be sent to Kalie Canales at 1142 Fall City Court Mosinee, WI 54455, where a trust will be started for his children in his absence. Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to every person who has gone out of their way to help them. Regardless of the type of help, it is so appreciated. Thank you to Dr. Benjamin Lawler and his Assistant Tammy, Marshfield Medical Center Neuro-Oncology, as well as the whole Neurology team, Aspirus Hospice, and Dr. Jaren Thomas. Without caring providers like them, the journey that people have to take during this horrible disease would be so much harder. You are all truly angels on Earth.