Richard “Dick” “Dicker” Ricke, 82, of the Meadows Assisted Living in Grand Meadow, Minnesota, passed to his new eternal home Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, at the Grand Meadow Care Center.

Dick was born Jan. 11, 1933, in Algona, Iowa, to George and Fidelia (Stufflick) Ricke. He was the first of seven siblings and was raised in Wesley, Iowa, on the family farm. Dick graduated from Wesley High School in 1951. He served in the United States Army from 1953-1955. On April 19, 1956, he was united in marriage to Betty Olson, and they had six children while farming in St. Benedict, Iowa. In 1956, they moved to Grand Meadow, Minnesota, and continued farming. They later divorced. Dick continued doing farm hand work and drove semi for Hamms Brewing Company, and also worked for Minnesota Implement, Featherlite, Clement Farms, and Dougan Farms and JR Motors through the years. On May 5, 1973, Dick married Marjorie (Hanson) Gardner and gained five step-children. Dick enjoyed farming, camping, fishing, Root River Power Shows, tractor pull shows (especially his love for the almighty IH red), playing cribbage at The Diner, and of course, driving around to check on the crops. Dick had a huge passion for farming and the love of the land.

Survivors include his children: Michael Ricke of Albert Lea, Minnesota, Cindy (Gary) Ziegler of Lyle, Minnesota, Larry (Cindy) Ricke of Austin, Minnesota, Dennis Ricke of Lyle, Minnesota, and Sue Adams of Austin, Minnesota; his very special step-children: Susie (Bruce) Morse of LeRoy, Minnesota, Dawn (Dominic) Stier of Grand Meadow, Minnesota, Tom (Deb) Gardner of Grand Meadow, Minnesota, Steve (Molly) Gardner of Willmer, Minnesota, and Scott (Allison) Gardner of Maple Grove, Minnesota; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; siblings: Dean (Millie) Ricke of Garner, Iowa, Bob (Connie) Ricke of Liberty Hills, Texas, Pat (Jack) Frieders of Gardener, Illinois, Janice (Jim) Schumacher of Algona, Iowa, and Ronnie (Becky) Ricke of Pflugerville, Texas; and many nieces and nephews; and special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Fidelia; wife, Marge; son, Jeffery; sister, Joan (Mike) Vitzthum; and sister-in-law, Eleanor Ricke.

Funeral services for Dick will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28, 2015, at the St. Finbarr Catholic Church with Father Marreddy Pothireddy officiating. Burial will take place in the St. Finbarr Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. with a prayer service at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, at the Hindt Funeral Home in Grand Meadow, Minnesota, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Condolences may be left online at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com.