George "Richard" Ferdinandtsen

SANTA FE - George “Richard” Ferdinandtsen, of Santa Fe, Texas, was born February 16, 1937, in Austin, Texas. He was surrounded by his loved ones at home when he met Jesus, Monday, September 23, 2024, at age 87.

Richard was well known in Galveston and the surrounding communities for his long-term career with American Nation. At the age of 75 Richard retired as President and COO of the company, while continuing as a member of ANICO and subsidiaries boards for an additional 5 years.

Richard will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a dear friend. He was a dedicated family man and a pillar of the community. Richard had a heart of gold, was kind, generous, wise and supportive. He had a great sense of humor, along with a lifetime of stories he shared with pride. Richard, his loving nature, smile, laughter, humor and stories will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joy (Logan) Ferdinandtsen; parents, Samuel Ferdinandtsen and Jeannett (Ferdinandtsen) Keller; stepfather, Marten Keller; brothers, Sammy Ferdinandtsen and Kenneth Keller.

Richard is survived by his wife, Tommie Sue Ferdinandtsen; sister, Margaret Peterson; son, Richard Ferdinandtsen and wife, Nelli; daughter, Teri Hoppe-McKewen and husband, Tim; stepson, Justin Vickery and wife, Dena; stepdaughter, Jennifer Renz and husband Daniel; grandchildren, Shawna Sprouse and husband, James, Kristen Tripp, Susan Hoppe-Wilson and husband, Jarrod, Rory, Jase Vickery, and Sophie, Zoey, and Addyson Renz; great-grandchildren; Brianna and Sarah Sprouse and Abigal Tripp; and countless friends and extended family.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 27, 2024, in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home, with Reverend Jeremy McKewen officiating. Entombment will be at Forrest Park Woodlands at 3:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Danny Meza, Daniel Renz, Bruce Richmond, James Sprouse, Justin Vickery and Jarrod Wilson. Honorary bearers will be Richard K. Ferdinandtsen, Sam Fransen, Mike Logan, Tim McKewen and Steve Schouweiler.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, 10412 Highway 6, Hitchcock, TX (409) 925-3501.

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