"Kathie and family, I was very sorry to read of Kenny's death. Haven't seen you in many, many years, but wanted you to know I was thinking of you. Jim Tigges Phoenix, AZ"
In loving memory of
Kenneth Ricke
September 16, 2010
Interment ~ Evergreen Cemetery ~ Wesley, Iowa
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Kenneth James Ricke was born October 8, 1953, at rural Wesley, Iowa, to Lou and Betty (Jones) Ricke. Kenny attended Corwith -Wesley schools and then the Job Corp in Rapid City, South Dakota. On June 16, 1979, Kenny was united in marriage to Kathie Voigt in Fenton, Iowa. With Kenny's multitude of talent, he enjoyed several jobs through the years including work at Snap-On Tools in Algona, Red Horse in Britt, Kenny Ricke Fix-It in Wesley and Algona Machine. Kenny enjoyed motorcycles, fast cars, golfing, shooting pool and stock car racing. He especially enjoyed being involved with his two sons' activities as well as spending time with his grandchildren. Kenny was one who could fix anything.
Kenny was a member of the United Methodist Church in Wesley. He served 16 years on the City Council in Wesley and spent time as a First Responder when the organization began in Wesley.
Kenny died on Thursday morning, September 16, 2010, at Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City at the age of 56.
Survivors include his wife Kathie of Wesley, two sons, Alan Ricke and wife Amy of Fenton, Iowa and Phil Ricke and special friend Stephanie of Wesley, Iowa; adopted son Shawn "Jay" Ricke of Ft. Dodge, Iowa as well as four grandchildren, Zoe, Tori, Paizlee and Zachary and close family friend Phil Lusson of Wesley. Also surviving are brothers and sisters, Carmen Tilkes of Ionia, Iowa; Connie Woodson of New Hampton, Iowa; Bea Batt and special friend Denny Blumer of Algona, Iowa; Sharon Meyer and special friend Jay of Lenox, South Dakota; Julie and husband LeRoy Pesicka of Bode, Iowa; Theresa Ricke of Whittemore, Iowa; LaVerne Ricke of Whittemore, Iowa; Paul Ricke and wife Pam of Sheffield, Iowa; Rosalie and husband Wilbur Johnson of Buffalo Center, Iowa; Nancy and husband Carl Johnson of Wesley, Iowa; Tom Ricke and wife Jackie of Whittemore, Iowa; and Raymond Ricke and wife Lyneen of Garner, Iowa; many nieces and nephews. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles, nephew Shawn Johnson and brothers-in-law.
Tributes
"Sorry to hear about your loss. We are thinking about you. "
"Kathy and "kids" -- I only went on line because of Dixie Wood and discovered Kenny's information. I am so sorry. You all have fought so hard, for so long....and added so much to your community and church throughout the course of Kenny's ordeal. Everyone has admired your optimism and faith. You all serve as an example of how to live life to the fullest. Peace, Sue Mullins"
"So sorry to hear of Kenny's passing. "
"Kathie and boys, I don't think Kenny danced much here on earth, but I feel he is dancing with Jesus now, at peace and in no more pain which he endured so much of. Love ya sis, Nancy "
" Kathie.. I am so sorry for your loss...I know exactly what you have gone through and will go through...take it one day at a time. The 2 of you were so kind and nice to me after Bruce died..Thank you,,and stay strong and know that he is at peace now....there is no such thing as closure i have found...just a new chapter. Love you,,,Barb Russell"
"Our favorite memory of Kenny is when he proudly rode his motorcycle into the gym to the tune of "Life in the Fast Lane" to start the grand march for prom 2002. Only a few people knew our little secret. We surprised everyone, but they thought it was so cool! Kenny smiled and said to us, "I've always wanted to do that!" Now, even though we miss him, his spirit is free to ride with the wind. Our prayers are with you. "
"Kathy and boys you are in our thoughts and prayers while you go through this rough time. I know you miss him dearly but he is in Heaven looking down and watching over you. Joe and Joyce Wagner"
"Kathie and family, So sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. Our prayers go out to all of you now and in the hard days ahead. May God rest you in His loving arms."
"Kathie- I am so sorry for your loss and send you and your family my condolences. Gentle care to all of you. Frankie W"
"So sorry to hear of Kenny's passing. He fought a hard fight, but he's finally at peace with no more suffering. May the memories you share ease your pain and know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Kathie, keep fighting, we'll continue to pray for you. Tammy and Al Abbas"
"Kathie & family - I'm so sorry to hear of Kenny's passing. I went to school with him & grew up in Wesley. I will always remember him as super nice guy. God bless all of you."
"Kathy and Family- So sorry to hear about this. Kenny was a great guy. My thought and prayers go out to all of you."
"Sorry about Kenny. Will miss him in the pew in front of us at church. Was such a positive guy. "
"We are so sorry to hear this tragic news. Kenny was a wonderful and caring man and will be missed dearly. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Nate & Jody Kajewski"
"Extremely sorry to hear about your loss. A loving father husband. Never had a discouraging word to say to anyone and always wore a smile. A man that will be greatly missed. Jared Cutshall"
"I am so sorry to hear of Kenny passing. He was a good man. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kathie and his family. "