General Information
Full Name: Walter Ricke
Date of Birth: April 13, 1946
Date of Death: July 14, 2013
Walt’s life story
Walt Ricke
On April 13, 1946 Walter Ray was born at home in Sharon, Kansas. He was the second of five children born to parents Walter and Mildred (Landwehr) Ricke. Walt’s childhood was spent on the family farm where his lifelong love for John Deere tractors began. He graduated from Sharon High School in 1964.
As a junior in high school, Walt met the love of his life, Linda Rodgers. Walt was working at his mother’s Dairy Drive-In in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, a favorite after-school hangout for Linda, and the two hit it off immediately. After a year of studies at Wichita State University the two exchanged wedding vows on August 14, 1965. Walt and Linda were blessed with two children, Kelly and Carla.
Walt’s work required the family to move all across the Midwest including Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas. They eventually settled in Prior Lake, MN in the mid 80’s. It was in Minnesota that Walt and Linda opened a rental franchise which they owned and operated for 5 years. The two enjoyed an early retirement for about ten years until after some wild snowmobiling; Linda decided that Walt needed a little more structure in his life. This is when he began working for Goodrich Aerospace. Over the years, he advanced to his eventual position as an operations supervisor for United Technology Corporation.
Motorcycles have always been a passion of Walt’s. He enjoyed many cross-county trips with Linda. Whether it was a trip to Alaska or just a quick ride around the neighborhood with Todd The Dog, Walt loved being on his bike. Walt also enjoyed many other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, boating, and keeping a beautiful yard. Walt was an accomplished woodworker; he could make anything out of metal or wood. He was known around the neighborhood as the go-to-guy when something needed fixing. Walt had many hobbies, but his true pride and joy were his grandsons. He shared his love of tractors, snowmobiles and motorcycles with all of them.
Six weeks after being diagnosed with cancer, Walt died peacefully at home surrounded by family the early morning hours of Sunday, July 14, 2013. He will be missed as a faithful husband, caring dad, and loving grandpa.
Deeply missed and remembered always by those who loved Walt, wife of 47 years, Linda (Rodgers) Ricke of Prior Lake, MN; children, Kelly (Kelly) Ricke of Olathe, KS, Carla (Bryon) Bush of Waconia, MN; grandsons, Tyler, Traver, Gavin and Griffin; siblings, Mark (Norma) Ricke of Medicine Lodge, KS, Carol (Keith) Knowles of Paducah, KY, Linda (J.W.) Platt of Hardtner, KS and Marilyn (Jerry) Arensdorf of Medicine Lodge, KS plus many other loving relatives, devoted friends, and a special four-legged companion, Todd.
Walt is preceded in death by his parents.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 19, 2013 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home; 4565 Pleasant Street SE; Prior Lake, MN. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed by the family to the American Cancer Society in Walt’s honor.
The Ricke family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Prior Lake Chapel.
Visitation
When: Friday, July 19, 2013
4-7 pm
Location: Ballard Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 4565 Pleasant Street SE
Prior Lake, MN
