Raymond E. Ricker
Raymond E. Ricker, age 93, of Chilton, died on Sunday, January 2, 2022 at Caring Hands Assisted Living Center in New Holstein. He was born March 8, 1928 in Chilton, son of the late Louis & Sarah Jane (Salter) Ricker.
Ray’s personality was reserved, but full of mischief and great humor when called for. He enjoyed singing, whistling and playing his clarinet in school, city, German and US Army Base Bands. As a young adult, he enjoyed working with his buddies on truck and car engines. During high school and after, Ray worked at local jewelry shops and completed his apprenticeship in watch making.
Following his honorable service in the United States Army, Ray returned home, married the love of his life, Dorothy Schucht on December 29, 1956 in Chilton. It was during this time, Ray worked at the Wisconsin Public Service Steam Power Plant in Green Bay.
Ray and Dorothy physically began building their country home in 1963 while residing in it in the Town of Chilton. They completed the endeavor in 1984.
Ray and Dot both loved to travel and did so with their kids, camping very primitively.
Following his retirement from the US Postal Service in Chilton as a city carrier, travel continued. Ray’s main hobby after retirement became building model gasoline engines. In 2005, Ray and a friend, Bob Johnson of Appleton, co-founded “North East Wisconsin Model Engine Builders Club” (NEWEB) which brought much pride and joy to its’ members.
Survivors include his wife: Dorothy; children: John (Carol) Ricker, Joseph Ricker, Sarah (Matt) Strade, daughter-in-law Mary Ricker; step-daughter-in-law: Karen (Steve) Bruckner; 9 grandchildren: Leslie (Mark) Fields, Matt Ricker, Erin (Nate) Eldred, Jenny (Tony) Allen, Jane Ecker & her special friend: Mike Schmitz, Ben (Emily) Ricker, Jessica (Ryan) Wettstein, Jacob Kobriger, Abby (Tim) Schlosser; and a nephew: Bill (Mary) Ricker. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter: Mary; a step-son: Sam Peters; and his brother and sister-in-law: Bruce (Louise) Ricker.
Private family services are being held. Burial will be in the Hillside Cemetery in Chilton.
Memorials given in the name of Raymond E. Ricker are appreciated for the St. Paul Episcopal Church in Plymouth.