Joan Rickaby

Joan Rickaby, 78, Green Bay, died Monday, April 9, 2012, at a local nursing home. She was born August 2nd, 1933 to the late Louis and Antoinette (Thyssen) Smith in West DePere, Wisconsin. She married James "Jim" Rickaby at St. Boniface Church in West DePere in 1952 and together they raised their five children, Jeffery, Jay, Judy, Jane, and Jon. Very active in high school, Joan was the captain of the bowling team, baseball catcher for the Nicolet Phantoms, played piano and sang in the Glee Club. After high school she worked as Elevator Operator for H.C. Prange, a secretary for Dr. Kuehl, and while stationed in New York City with her husband Jim, she worked as a telephone operator for New York Bell. Upon returning to Green Bay, she was an excellent mother, homemaker, cook, baker and a solid role model for her children. She then worked for the Ashwaubenon School District before retirement. Through retirement, she remained active bowling, traveling and spending time with her family. She was a member of the Ashwaubenon Lioness Club, Chapter 9. Devoted to her husband of nearly 60 years, she remained faithful to God and her family as demonstrated by her commitment to treat others a...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

he would treat herself. Joan was best known for her loving personality and selfless service to others. Joan is survived by her husband James Rickaby; five children, Jeffery Rickaby (Cindy), Jay Rickaby (Patricia), Judy Hopman (fiance, Dion), Jane (Jeffery) Peters, and Jon (Amy) Rickaby. Brothers John (Ruth) Smith and Fabian Smith; sisters, Florence (Larry) Glodoski, Carol Bain, Janet Charles, Janice (Bill) Romenesko; 10 Grandchildren and 3 Great-Grandchildren. Joan is preceded by parents, Louis and Antoinette Smith; brothers Bartholomew Smith, Neil Smith; sisters Elsie Kazik, Dorothy Vogels, Mary Ann Jensen, and Rose Mary DeRuyter. A gathering of family and friends will take place after 3:00 p.m. Friday, April 13, 2012, at Ss. Edward & Isidore Catholic Church, 3667 Flintville Rd., Flintville, where a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 5:00 p.m. with the Rev. Dave Kasperek officiating. Entombment in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. We would like to express our thanks to the staff of Manor Care West for the care and concern that was given to Joan. A special thanks to Carol Mueller, Unity Hospice, and the St. Mary's ICU. "Take heart, I have overcome the world" John 16:33