John Gabriel Rickert passed away on March 10, 2021, age 90, at home hospice in Mequon, WI.
John was born in Milwaukee, February 17, 1931, to John and Anna (nee Hartmann) Rickert. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Patricia (nee Amans). Loving father of John, Mark (Laura Christon), Dave (Holly Leider), and Paul. Proud grandpa of Elise, Adam, Lydia, and Hailough. Also survived by his sister Helen Vetter, many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, his brother Adam, and his sisters, Evelyn Molan, Sister Mary Cecil, Elizabeth Orth, and sister-in-law Rita Dufek.
John was a 1949 graduate of Marquette High School. He went on to earn Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Marquette University. After attending Benet Lake Seminary he went on to a fulfilling career teaching at Milwaukee Public Schools.
In retirement, John and Pat traveled the world, enjoying trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, Australia, and many other locales. Fishing, bowling, and singing were John’s passions. John spent many days fishing on the lakes of Waukesha County, selling his beloved boat when he could no longer launch it by himself. John and Pat bowled in leagues for many years, only stopping because of the pandemic. Music was an integral part of his life, singing in the St. Therese Choir for over five decades. He was also a member of the Milwaukee Choristers, the Ad Hoc Ensemble, and the Lutheran A Cappella Choir. He was active, with his wife Pat, as a member of St. Therese Parish. Never one to pass on the opportunity for a bad dad joke or pun, he was always doing things for “Justin”, just in case.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 19, 2021, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin.
On Saturday, March 20th, there will be a visitation at St. Therese Catholic Church, 9525 West Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association of Wisconsin are appreciated.
Special thanks to Dr. Elliott and the staff at DaVita Dialysis, as well as the nurses from Aurora Health at Home Hospice Care.