Arthur J. Rikstad

Hertford resident

Arthur John Rikstad, 72, of 105 Yeopim Creek Circle, passed away Monday, Feb. 27, 2012 in W.R. Winslow Memorial Home, Elizabeth City. Mr. Rikstad was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and was the son of the late Anton E. and Jenny Haugland Rikstad. A high school physical education teacher, he coached tennis, basketball and soccer and retired in Plainfield, N.J. after 33 years of employment. Art was a member of the Son's of Norway in Brooklyn, N.Y., had served as a deacon and elder in the Presbyterian Church and was a US Army veteran. Upon moving to Albemarle Plantation, he enjoyed memberships in the Osprey Yacht Club and the Albemarle Plantation Sportsman's Club. He was an avid New York Giants fan and was a member of Hertford United Methodist Church and its United Methodist Men. Surviving are his wife, Diann Lambdin Rikstad; a daughter, Tracy L. Stokes and husband, Mark, of Yardley, Pa.; a son, Todd A. Rikstad and wife, Pamela Bauer, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; his mother-in-law, Ruth Lambdin of Hertford; a brother-in-law, Victor L. Lambdin and wife, Barbara, of Louisville, Ky.; and five grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in Hertford United Methodist Church by the Rev. Larry Bowden and the Rev. Corbin Cherry. Friends may join the family in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service on Saturday and all other times at the residence. Miller & Van Essendelft, Funeral and Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hertford United Methodist Church, 200 Dobbs Street, Hertford, NC 27944, and is to be designated for use in the Music Program. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.