Russell K. Rickeman

Obituary

Russell Kent Rickeman was born on March 19, 1928, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was the son of Carl and Ruth (Loek) Rickeman. Russell was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith at the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Hutchinson (now Bethlehem United Methodist Church). He received his education in Hutchinson and graduated with the class of 1946.

Russell entered the United States Army in the spring of 1954. He received an Honorable Discharge in the spring of 1956 and achieved the rank of Specialist.

Russell and Doris met at the Roller Rink in Hutchinson and on May 16, 1958, Russell was united in marriage to Doris Sutter in the Parsonage of the Evangelical United Methodist Church by Rev. J.E. Kottke. This marriage was blessed with four children, Scott, Pamela, John, and Michelle. Russell and Doris resided in Hutchinson and shared 61 years of marriage.

Russell lived on the family farm all his life where he was a dairy farmer until retiring in 1991. After retiring, Russell continued living on the family farm and continued gardening.

Russell was an active and longtime member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Hutchinson. He was an usher, Sunday school teacher, and served on several boards. He also served on the Farmers Elevator Board, A.S.C. Board, Corn Growers Board, and enjoyed being a N.K. Seed Dealer for over 40 years.

Some of Russell’s greatest enjoyments included family vacations at the lake, farming, and attending children and grandchildren’s school and sport activities. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing, wood working, and attending farmers markets. Russell was a jack of all trade and made many different things for family members. One of his favorite creations was toy barns for his grandchildren and he also donated them to Dairy Conventions and Habitat for Humanity for silent auctions. Russell cherished the time spent with his family and friends.

Russell passed away peacefully with family in his presence on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at his home in Hutchinson, at the age of 92 years. Blessed be his memory.

Russell is survived by his:
Wife, Doris Rickeman of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Scott Rickeman and his wife, Jackie (Howe) of Hutchinson, MN,
                  Pamela Goldschmidt of Hutchinson, MN,
                  John Rickeman and his wife, Donna (Jahnke) of Darwin, MN,
                  Michelle Shufelt and her husband, Jeff, of Hutchinson, MN;
12 Grandchildren;
14 Great Grandchildren;
Brother, Marlin Rickeman and his wife, Ruth, of New York;
Brothers and Sisters-in-law, Robert Sutter and his wife, Janice, of Hutchinson, MN,
                                                    Richard Sutter and his wife, Suzanne, of Big Lake, MN,
                                                    Larry Sutter and his wife, Ruth, of Litchfield, MN;
Many Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends

Russell is preceded in death by his Parents, Ruth and Carl Rickeman; Brother, Roger Rickeman and his wife, Florine, and Carly Rickeman and his wife, Elaine; Sister, Carolyn Miklas and her husband, Warren; and Sister-in-law, Judy Whitcomb and her husband, Fred.