Service Information
Randy M. Ricke, age 63, husband of Jeri, of Winthrop, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, Minnesota.
Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, October 26, 2021, 11:00 A.M. at Peace Lutheran Church in Winthrop. Interment will be held at a later date.
Visitation will be held Monday, October 25, 2021, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Peace Lutheran Church in Winthrop and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
Obituary
Randall Mark Ricke was born November 11, 1957 In New Ulm. He was the youngest child of Herbert and Ivona (Steffl) Ricke. Randy was baptized as an infant and later confirmed as a youth, both at St. Francis Catholic Church in Winthrop. He received his education at Winthrop Public School, and graduated in 1976. He attended Hutchinson Area Vocational Technical Institute, and received a two-year accounting degree. Randy worked at Gamble-Skogmo in St. Louis Park, for about 2 years.
On December 18, 1982, Randy was united in marriage to Jerilyn (Gehrke) Ricke at Grace Lutheran Church in Brownton. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Ryan and Dustin. Randy and Jeri enjoyed 38 years of marriage. They made their home in rural Winthrop, eventually living on part of the original Ricke farmstead. Randy was a dairy farmer for many years, and raised corn and beans during his entire farming career. Randy also spent a few years working for Banner Real Estate, Winthrop, as a real estate agent. Randy was part owner and manager of Meadowbrook Apartments, Gaylord, for 16 years.
Randy was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Winthrop, where he served as treasurer for many years. He was a board member for the Dollars for Scholars Program at GFW, the current treasurer for the Ojibwa Campground Association, Brainerd, and a current member of the Winthrop Lions.
Randy was interested in aviation, had a private pilot’s license at one time, and collected toy airplanes. He enjoyed fishing, target practice, and going on ATV trail rides. Randy and Jeri loved to travel, and cherished time spent with their family and friends.
Randy had a strong faith. He participated in silent weekend retreats at the Jesuit Retreat House at Demontreville for approximately 15 years. Randy also attended the men’s Via de Cristo weekend #367 at Wells, Minnesota, in 2001. These experiences had a profound effect on his life. He was grateful for his many blessings.
Randy loved his family, and treasured the time spent with them. He did “men things” with his sons, and later with his grandsons, Hudson and Ethan. Randy was a wonderful husband and father, and a great Papa! He was a friend to many, had a positive attitude, and a great sense of humor. He will be missed.
Randy passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, at the age of 63 years from complications from a previous surgery. Blessed be his memory.
Randy is survived by his:
Wife: Jerilyn Ricke of Winthrop, MN;
Sons: Ryan Ricke of Hutchinson, MN, and his special friend, Katie Laabs, of Minneola, FL,
Dustin Ricke and his wife, Mallory of Brownton, MN;
Grandchildren: Hudson and Ethan Ricke of Brownton, Katie’s daughter, Anna Laabs of Minneola, FL;
Brothers: LeRoy Hansen and his wife, Karen of Downers Grove, IL, Don Ricke of Santa Rosa, CA, James Ricke and his wife, Connie of Hamburg, MN;
Sisters: Elaine Ricke Wirtanen of Winthrop, MN, Joan Weldele and her husband, Dick, of Osakis, MN, Dee Wolff and her husband, Leonard, of Burton, TX, Renee Dodds of Plymouth, MN;
Godchild: Andrea Anderson of Thompson, ND;
Nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
Randy was preceded in death by his Parents, Herbert and Ivona Ricke; Infant Brother, Donald Ricke; Brother and Sister-in-law, Russell and MaryLou Hansen; Beloved Dog, Newman.
john and karla weber says
Dear Jeri and boys, we were very shocked to hear about Randys passing. our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. pease be with you.
Jerilyn Ricke says
John & Karla,
Thank you for thinking of us.
Jeri & Family
LuAnn Alsleben says
I’m so sorry for your loss Jerilyn! May Randy RIP.
LuAnn A.
Jerilyn Ricke says
LuAnn,
It was quite a shock, and will take me some time to cope with how life has changed for me. Thank you for thinking of me.
Hope you are doing well,
Jeri
Brad & Mary Nelson says
Jeri and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Randy’s passing. He was such a wonderful man and so easy to be around. ..always happy! Hold tight to all the wonderful memories of him. We are praying for you all.
Jerilyn Ricke says
Brad & Mary,
Randy’s passing was quite unexpected. It will take me some time to approach life without him. We had almost 5 years after his last medical challenge; we are grateful for that.
Thanks for thinking of us.
Jeri, Ryan, Dustin & Family
Kathy Wenninger says
Glenn and I and family would like to.extend our deepest sympathys to your family…Our prayers for you as you journey through this most difficult season…Our love as you celebrate truly Randy’s beautiful life well lived…Forever Blessed be his memory…We apologize for not being able to make the visitation or funeral ..Praying you can sense the arms of Christ Jesus wrapped around you as He holds you ever so close..
Jerilyn Ricke says
Glenn, Kathy & Family,
This has been a very unexpected turn of events. It will take some time getting used to the new normal. We’re so glad to have our faith, memories, friends, and family to see us through.
Thanks for thinking of us,
Jeri & Family
Travis Raymond says
To such a warm-hearted family—
Jeri, Ryan and Dustin, this was such a shock to hear the news, but rest assured, Randy has worked extremely hard to have a seat in eternal peace and pure joy. You are a family that has proven again and again how to overcome daunting obstacles and have no doubt in due time you will each process this in meaningful ways with great reflection! Never forget all of those hilarious and controversial jokes that Randy just loved to share! He made me laugh and I will never forget that smile.
Thinking of each of you as you continue your journey!
Jerilyn Ricke says
Travis,
It was so good to hear from you! (The circumstances could be better though.) It has been a shock. I’m glad you have those good memories of Randy. He liked to joke around, and always had a smile and positive attitude. We always enjoyed being at the lake with your family. He will definitely be missed.
Thanks for thinking of us,
Jeri, Ryan, Dustin, & Family
Kevin & Cheri Yager says
Our deepest sympathies. I always enjoyed our business relationship but especially valued Randy and Jeri’s friendship. He will be truly missed.
Kevin & Cheri Yager
Jerilyn Ricke says
Kevin & Cheri,
This has been really hard for our family; Randy was such a great guy. I know he thought of you as a friend, definitely more than a business relationship. He always enjoyed visiting with you. I remember our chance meeting in Walker last year, a good memory for me.
Thanks for thinking of us,
Jeri, Ryan, Dustin, & Family