April 18, 1945—November 26, 2020
SPARTA - Richard A. Rickey, 75, of Sparta, WI, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2020, in DePere, WI, surrounded by his two sons and daughter-in-law at their home on the beautiful, tranquil Fox River. Richard was born April 18, 1945, to Arthur and Rita Rickey in Killingly, Connecticut.
In 1966 he joined the US Army and after basic training he was sent to Vietnam where he earned three service medals. Richard found himself at Fort McCoy; he really loved the area and decided to make Sparta his home.
When Richard was a young boy, his dream was to become a fire fighter. He made this a reality as soon as they would accept him. At age 18, Richard worked in Connecticut for them. And once he established his home in Sparta, he worked with the Sparta Fire Department for over 30 years. Serving his country and his community is what Richard built his world around.
Richard worked for 42 years at the Foremost Farms plant in Sparta, WI, as a forklift driver. When he wasn’t working or fighting fires, he loved to play softball, and was an avid bowler where many referred to him as “Mr. 300.”
Richard is survived by his children, Richard S. Rickey of Sparta, and Wesley (Deana) Rickey of DePere, WI; grandchildren, Trey and Andrew Rickey of Sparta, Skyler Mensink of Spring Valley, MN, and Jonathan Rickey of Viroqua, WI; a brother, Arthur “Bucky” Rickey of Killingly, CT; sisters, Anita Beaudoin of Putnam, CT, Rose Ogden of Killingly, CT, and Joanne Young of Brooklyn, CT; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and good friends.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents; wife of 30 years, Darlene (Hanson) Rickey; and a brother, Joseph Rickey.
A Memorial Service with full military honors will be held Saturday, December, 5, 2020, 2:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home in Sparta, WI. Family and friends are invited for visitation Saturday from 12:00 noon until the time of service.
Online condolences can be sent to www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com
Torkelson Funeral Home
