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Alumni Spotlight: Frederick (Rick) Zeidler '64
Alumni Spotlight: Frederick (Rick) Zeidler '64
Frederick (Rick) Zeidler is a 1964 graduate of Midland University. He currently lives in Bloomington, MN, also his hometown. Rick retired from Bloomington Schools after teaching English and Speech for 35 years. Rick is an avid volunteer. He enjoyed being an EMT volunteer on his local community rescue squad for 10 years, and he also volunteered for the American Red Cross for 20 years teaching first aid and CPR.
During the summers, Rick worked as a certified lifeguard at a public swimming beach in Bloomington for 37 years. His passion for motorcycles lasted for almost 45 years and took him all over the country, including two motorcycle rallies in Sturgis, S.D.
“I picked Midland because we lived in Fremont during my 6th and 7th-grade years,” Rick said. “My father was a Lutheran Minister who served in a five-state area around Nebraska and was elected to the Midland College Board of Trustees. Some years later, after moving to Bloomington, it was decided Midland College would be a good college to attend after high school.”
While at Midland, Rick was very active in a local social fraternity. During his junior year, he served as class president and served on the school’s Student Council. He also became a member of the Blue Key National Honorary Scholastic Fraternity that year.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my years at Midland and felt I received a quality liberal arts education,” Rick said. “I enjoyed the small college campus feeling and made some good friends, several of whom I am still in contact with today. I support Midland University to this day. I have had the pleasure of meeting several administrators, and I stay in contact with them periodically. I will continue to support Midland University financially as I am able.”
Rick and his wife, Carol, have been married for 27 years. Carol is from the U.K., where they have visited many times. Rick has a daughter, Marie, who works in real estate; a stepson, Steven, who is a plumber; and a stepson, David, who is a commercial pilot.