Frederick Arthur “Rick” Hege

June 29, 1943 - July 19, 2021

Frederick Arthur “Rick” Hege, age 78 years, of Ft. Wayne, IN, died peacefully on Monday, July 19, 2021 at Kingston Care Center, Ft. Wayne.

Born in Rahway, NJ on June 29, 1943, son of the late Franklyn Herman Hege and Emma Kling Hege, he had living in Indiana for many years.

Retired from Century Trading Company where he was a highly regarded tool salesman, Rick had a well-lived, eclectic life and made friends wherever he traveled.

Growing up as an “Army Brat” instilled in him a passion for being a proud American. His grandfather, father and uncles all served in either the United States Army or the Army National Guard. It was with this upbringing, where Rick saw and learned the value of hard work and dedication. It is important to note that these many life lessons were taught not only from men, but from the strong women in his life; particularly his grandmother, mother and sister. He cared deeply about his family and friends and was devoted to them all.

With passions that ranged from fast cars to music, and from worldwide travel to rooting for his hometown Fort Wayne Tin Cups, his favorite minor baseball team, Rick put his heart and soul into living life.

In the 1960’s, Rick was the “band manager” for a band known as “The Fugitives”. His brother, Terry played the drums and it helped Rick bring his passion for live music to something that made an impact for the better on the world. The 60’s musical genre is one that has been said to have changed the world, and Rick was proud to have played his part.

Though his passing leaves a void, the light he brought to the world will shine on through the hearts and actions of all who were touched by his kindnesses and love.

In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his sister, Gay Lynn Hege; a brother Terry Hege; and his longtime companion and friend, Susan Reinhardt.

Surviving are his nieces, Melissa Ayala and her husband, Mario and Becky Malysa and her husband, Rich; his great nieces and nephews, Aurora and Anna Sofia Ayala and Dylan and Mason Malysa; Susan’s son, Michael Reinhardt; his sister-in-law, Ellen Nardoni; his sister Gay’s partner, David Burgos; his cousins, Cindy PreVatte, Sandy Kling, and John Kling and his wife, Betty; his longtime coworker and friend, Marcia Germann; several extended family members; and many dear friends.

For those who wish to honor Rick, please attend the Fort Wayne Tin Caps game on August 11, 2021 for a tribute in his memory.

Arrangements and interment in Westfield Cemetery, Westfield, NJ, are private under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

You are encouraged to visit Rick’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

Memorial contributions in Rick’s honor may be made to Fort Wayne Rescue Ministries, Restoration House, which supports men battling addiction and homelessness, via mail to 404 East Washington Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 or online by clicking HERE..

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

Frederick Arthur “Rick” Hege, age 78 years, of Ft. Wayne, IN, died peacefully on Monday, July 19, 2021 at Kingston Care Center, Ft. Wayne. Born in Rahway, NJ on June 29, 1943, son of the late Franklyn Herman Hege and Emma Kling Hege, he had living in Indiana for many years. Retired from Century TradingContinue Reading

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Rick was one of my favorites regular guest at longhorn. I will truly miss him. He and I talked for hours about sports and he was always asking about my kids and commenting on photos on Facebook. He was a good man.

On behalf of the surviving members of the 1960’s New Jersey “Rock and Roll” band, known once long ago as the “Fugitives”, we grieve the loss of Rick Hege. Rick was our “Band Manager” back then and his brother, Terry, was our drummer. Not only did Rick manage our engagements, he would also often lead our car caravans to “Band Jobs”, but he always seem to have the faster car. Or the fastest sounding car, I thought. I (Rob McGeary) personally remember Rick’s incredible souped-up Chevrolet Chevelle Super Sport. He loved it. I admired it. It was thunderous and a joy for him and any of his passengers. Perhaps back then, ignoring the ages between us, all of us were just kids, really; but the shared memories we took from those times and adventures, for us who survive, the memories are still so bright and Rick is still there to us. On behalf of the surviving Fugitives, we have said a prayer for our Rick and Terry and their loved ones. Respectfully, Rob McGeary, Courtney Collette and Tom Beddows

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.