A tribute to an Iowa farmer's father is hidden in plain sight
Looking out at a soybean field in Pocahontas County, the average person probably sees just that — beans.
But to Tim Ricklefs, the field was his life.
"He had a passion for farming and he loved the land," said his wife, Jann.
It was a passion he and his wife shared with their seven children.
"Our children helped on the farm," Jann said. "And it was expected of them, as it is many farm families, to help."
His son, Brian, caught the farming bug early. He wanted to grow up to be just like dad.
"As a little kid, you know, we played with tractors, and we always played all the scenarios out of the spring planting," Brian said.
Playing out those scenarios, adapting on the fly, is why farming grows durable people.
Strength is what the Ricklefs needed when they lost Tim suddenly from heart failure this spring.
EMS came and there was nothing they could do, the family said.
Devastated and grieving, planting season waits for no one.
So for the first time without Tim, Brian knew what they had to do.
"We wanted to make it personal and with purpose for, for honoring my dad," Brian said.
A canvas that Tim was familiar with was used for the tribute.
In loving memory of their late father, Ricklefs wanted to send a clear message. Best viewed, from the heavens.
"Somewhere up above, Tim is looking down," Jann said. "And it's just using his passion and his interest to tell him how much we love him."
Centered on about 100 acres just outside of Rolfe, is the simple, yet profound message — "Miss you dad."
Maybe it's the pop of white color from the flower on the bean plants, the wind rustling the leaves or the birds chirping as they fly through the open Iowa sky.
Every time Brian steps into the field, there's a presence, a feeling that dad is always with him.
Click below to see more from KCCI's Alyx Sacks: