Service Information
Melvin Henry Rickert, age 101, of Hutchinson, formerly of Brownton, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at Ecumen Pines in Hutchinson.
Funeral Service will be held Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorials preferred to Ecumen Hospice: 218 N Holcombe Ave, Litchfield, MN 55355 or Ecumen Pines Hutchinson: 945 Century Ave SW, Hutchinson, MN 55350.
Obituary
Melvin Henry Rickert was born January 27, 1922 in Round Grove Township, Minnesota, on the family farm to Robert and Hulda (Furst) Rickert. Melvin was baptized as an infant and later confirmed as a youth in the Lutheran faith at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Penn Township, Minnesota. He attended a one room school in Round Grove Township through the eighth grade. Melvin grew up on his parents’ farm, learning the value of hard work and a deep love for farming and the land. He took over the family farm when his parents moved to town in Winthrop, Minnesota.
Melvin met his future wife Josephine Rose (Uecker) at a dance. They married on September 10, 1941, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mountville, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with six children, Patricia Rose, Lavonne, Lana, Carol, and their twin sons Dennis and Dale. They shared nearly 65 years until Josephine passed away on January 17, 2011.
Melvin enjoyed hunting, fishing, ice fishing, dancing to old time polka music, and watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Melvin was very social and a people person by nature. He made friends everywhere he went. Melvin was a man of strong faith and enjoyed participating in many different church services. He was happy to share these experiences with his children and grandchildren.
Melvin is survived by his:
Daughters, Lana Seltz and her husband, Jim of Waconia, MN,
Carol Dwinnell and her husband, Brett of Hutchinson, MN;
Sons, Dennis Rickert and his wife, Diane of Hastings, MN,
Dale Rickert and his wife, Janis of Kansas City, MO,
Son in-law, Larry Matheny and his wife, Karen of Litchfield, MN;
Sister, Margaret Lofthus of St. Augustine, FL;
Sister in-law, Mary Ann Uecker, Blair, WI;
12 Grandchildren;
19 Great Grandchildren;
1 Great Great Grandchild;
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Melvin was preceded in death by his Parents, Robert and Hulda Rickert; Daughters, Patricia Rickert (in infancy) and Lavonne Matheny; Grandson John Thomas Rickert; Father and Mother in-law, Albert and Martha (Klitzke) Uecker; Brothers and Sisters-in-law, Harold and Violet Uecker, Arthur and Gladys Uecker, and Reynold Lofthus.
Rest in peace Melvin, you will be greatly missed.
A special thank you to Pastor Layton Lemke, Robin Sikkila, Shelly Bratz, Becky Fales, Amanda Losing, and the entire staff at Ecumen Pines for the wonderful care of Melvin.
Memorials preferred to Ecumen Hospice: 218 N Holcombe Ave, Litchfield, MN 55355 or Ecumen Pines Hutchinson: 945 Century Ave SW, Hutchinson, MN 55350.
Eugene Schultz says
Sorry we couldn’t be at the service. We will miss receiving Christmas cards from Melvin.
Eugene and Betty Schultz
Virgil and Susie Wehking says
We have many fond memories of Melvin and Jo at Lake Mary. Our son, Steve, was just telling about when Melvin took him fishing and they caught a bunch of crappies. Melvin told him to count them as they didn’t want to take over the limit. Steve lifted up the basket and there was a hole in it. They had a good laugh and a better memory than had they caught their limit. Our sympathy to each of you. Melvin and Jo were such a neat pair!!
Dennis and Diane Rickert says
Thank you for sharing that story. Mom and dad loved their times up at Lake Mary. We have many pictures of dad showing his catch of the day. It was nice of you to reach out. Mel and Jo were loving to their kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and their great great grandchild.
MaryAnn Uecker says
Sorry to hear of Melvin’s death. I enjoyed hearing from him every year at Christmas. He was such a positive person, he will be missed.
MaryAnn Uecker says
Sorry to hear of Melvin’s death. I enjoyed hearing from him every year at Christmas. He was such a positive person, he will be missed. Melvin and Josephine were so happy when Art and I were married. They were a very special Brother and Sister in- law.