Ulrich "Rick" Nienhagen

Ulrich (Rick) Nienhagen died at home on January 5, 2026. He lived in Sierra Vista for 35 years, prior to which he served in the United States Army for 26 years, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Rick enlisted in 1965 and served in Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne Division. After his first tour in Vietnam, he attended Officer Candidate School and served his second tour in Vietnam as a Lieutenant. He was an infantry officer with specialties as a parachutist and fixed wing aviator.

Following his service in Vietnam, Rick completed tours across the United States, Korea, and Germany. He was accompanied by his late beloved wife Nora Ruth Nienhagen (d. 2023) and his daughter Vivian. Rick and Nora emigrated together from Germany to the United States in 1964 and were married in 1965. Nora accompanied Rick to all his military assignments except for 20 months in Vietnam, and they moved a total of 14 times during his 26-year career.

Rick's later assignments included command of the Military Entrance Processing Station in Chicago, a faculty position at the United States Military Academy in West Point where he taught German literature, and the Pentagon from where he retired in 1991. He received numerous decorations and medals during his service, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Medal.

Rick received his bachelor's degree from St. Martin's University in Lacey, Washington and his master's degree from Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont. He also attended the Command and General Staff College. He was a lifelong learner with a passion for history, and his collection of books eventually grew to fill nearly every room of his house.
Following his retirement, Rick devoted his time and energy to raising his younger daughter Nora II. He was an active member of her school PTO and volunteered regularly throughout her school years. He also became certified as an arbitrator and mediator and spent many years volunteering in those capacities, as well as serving as a court appointed investigator for guardianship proceedings.

Rick was born in Quedlinburg, Germany on July 11, 1944. He was a wonderful husband to Nora, his wife of 57 years, devoted father to his daughters, Vivian and Nora II, and doting grandfather to his three grandchildren. Rick will be missed by all who knew him, including his adoring dog, Teddy. He is survived by his daughter Vivian and her husband Robert, his daughter Nora II and her husband Benjamin, and his grandchildren Georgette, Abraham, and Arthur.

Funeral services for Rick will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23rd, with full military honors at the Fort Huachuca Post Cemetery. Those who wish to attend should meet by 9:30 a.m. at the Old Widow's Support Center by the Buffalo Soldier Gate (just west through the intersection of Fry Boulevard and Buffalo Soldier Trail) to line up with the funeral procession and await a military police escort to the Post Cemetery. Details regarding a reception following the funeral will be posted in the online obituary and shared at the service.

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