Dick Louis Rickert was born on October 24, 1949 in Mattoon to Alfred and Corabell (Pollock) Rickert. After graduating from Bowler High School he entered the U.S. Army and served from 1969-1971. Dick was united in marriage on December 23, 1972 to Linda L. Malueg at Zion Lutheran Church in Caroline. In his early years Dick farmed and drove truck for some time. The couple purchased the tavern in Bowler and renamed it Rickerts Hawg Wild Saloon in 2001 and have enjoyed operating it ever since. Dick is a member of the American Legion Post #456 of Caroline and is a former member of St. John Lutheran Church, Mattoon. He was a handyman who could fix cars or tinker with all sorts of projects. He always had a large garden and canned lots of vegetables for his family. Dick’s cooking and baking skills were legendary especially his cakes, pies, and the chicken dumpling soup that he made. You never left their house hungry. If you needed help with anything, Dick was always there to lend a hand. His personality was often feisty and stubborn, but he was a softie and loved his wife, children, and grandchildren with all his heart.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Linda; and nine children, Dennis (Heidi) of Wittenberg, June (Joey) Ross of Weston, Tammy (Jamie) Breitrick of Clintonville, Cindy (Ken) Wilken of Clintonville, Joseph of Fort Atkinson, Thomas (Danielle) of Wittenberg, Donovan of Mattoon, Daisy (Michael Boswell) of Bowler, and Norman of Mattoon. There are 17 grandchildren; Natalie, Leah, Derick, Chelsea, Zachary, Jordyn, Gracie, Isaiah, Jesse (Jenna), Tabitha, AJ, Alec, Dominic, Nash, Brantley, Valerie, and Harlan. There are 3 great grandchildren, Azaylia, Amelia, and Clyde. There are 8 siblings; Darlene, Jane, Janice, Dale, Lester, Nancy, Keith, and Doug. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and two good friends, Greg and Mike. Dick is preceded in death by his parents, an infant son Steven, a sister Emeline Chroge, and two brothers, LeRoy and Randy.
Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 12th at 1:00 PM at the Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, with Rev. Dean Bertsch officiating. Military Honors will be provided at the funeral home by members of the American Legion Post #456 of Caroline. Friends may call on Thursday from 11:00 AM until time of service at the funeral home.
The family wishes to thank all the doctors and nurses at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in the Cardiac ICU for the excellent care given to dad.