Rick Jason Astle

Rick Astle, 54, of Dietrich, Idaho passed away peacefully at his home on April 11, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones. Rick was born in Hailey, Idaho on July 30, 1969 to Sem and Geraldine Astle.

He was raised on the family farm in Dietrich, Idaho where he attended school at Dietrich High School and graduated in 1987. He later moved away for college where he attended Rick’s College in Rexburg, Idaho for a short time. This is where he met Tanya Pitkin and they were married on November 4, 1995. They were later divorced, but continued to raise their kids. Rick was a family man who always knew where his priorities lay. Rick’s biggest joy in his life was being a dad to his four kids: Garrett, Brianna, Hayden, and Hailey. Rick enjoyed doing everything with them. There was one thing that was just special– the state basketball tournaments. This is something he did with his kids every year where the best memories were made and good basketball was watched.

Rick owned and operated the family farm and dairy in Dietrich. He thrived in life by being on his farm, whether it was in the tractor, or taking his best friend and dog, Rocco for a joyride. Many times, this included Rocco having to find his way back home because Dad would often forget him in the many places he went, but always returned back home. Rick’s work ethic was one of a kind and is something he instilled in his kids. He was a great farmer and good friend to many.

Rick took great pride in being Dietrich's football and girl’s basketball coach. He was the head girls basketball coach for Dietrich from 2019-2024 and the head coach for the football program from 2017-2022. During that time he led his football team to a State Championship in 2020 and the girls basketball program to two state runner-ups in 2023 and 2024. He also led his teams to multiple district and conference championships. This led him to receiving Coach of the Year for football in 2019 and Coach of the Year in basketball in 2023 and 2024. Coaching was something he took so much pride in. He loved his players and truly cared about their successes to his deepest core. On top of all of this, he was a great community member. He volunteered and helped in any way that he could. He always taught his kids that serving others was an important part of giving back. He also served as a committed school board member for seven years from 2006-2013.

Rick is leaving with an incredible legacy that will be honored through his friends, family, and children. He has many nieces and nephews he loved and enjoyed being around so much. He loved nothing more than family time with them and the good ole’ Astle Family Reunion.

Rick was reunited with his father, Sem Astle, brother Brad Astle, and his very best friend and brother Jeff Astle who he loved and adored. What a beautiful reunion.

Rick is survived by his four kids; Garrett Astle, Brianna Astle, Hayden Astle, and Hailey Astle; his mom Gerry Astle; siblings, Debra (Kelly) White, Brenda (Matt) Bunn, Doug (Janis) Astle, Sherrie (Brian) Coons, and Jed (Leslie) Astle; and many nieces and nephews. Last but not least, he is survived by his best friend on this earth– his companion, Rocco.

As Rick always said “ tomorrow the sun comes up”. We love you and will miss you so much Dad.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, April 14th from 5:00-7:00 PM at the LDS Church in Dietrich, Idaho. There will be another visitation at Dietrich High School on Monday, April 15th at 9:30 AM with the service to follow at 11:00 AM in the gymnasium. Interment will follow at the Dietrich Cemetery. Rick’s last request is that everyone attending his memorial service wear his favorite colors black and blue. The family suggests memorials be made to the Rick and Jeff Astle Scholarship Fund at Dietrich High School. Contributions can be left with Hansen Mortuary staff at the services or mailed to Hansen Mortuary at 710 6th St., Rupert, ID 83350. Arrangements are under the direction of Hansen Mortuary,