Friedhelm Franz Rickert

Dr. Friedhelm Franz Rickert, 72, of 339 Harrison St., Marquette, formerly of Denver, died Thursday afternoon, July 17, 2008 at Marquette General Hospital. Dr. Rickert was born on May 28, 1936 in Bochum, Germany, a son of the late Fritz Karl and Johanna Rueter Rickert. Friedhelm was a professor of German and French. He taught at schools in England and France and then was a professor at the University of Colorado at Denver and Northern Michigan University. He retired from NMU in 2002. He held two Masters Degrees in philosophy & languages and obtained his doctorate at the University of Minnesota, where he also taught. Friedhelm loved teaching languages mixed with philosophy and culture. In his free time, he enjoyed reading, hiking, photography and eating great food. He engaged himself in research on several subjects relating to language, philosophy and culture. He is survived by Susan E. Shaver, his life partner and spouse and sons, David and Brian Shaver; a sister-in-law, Christa Rickert of Bochum, Germany; also nieces, Petra and Cornelia, and their children, residing in Bochum, Germany. Preceding him in death besides his parents was a brother, Gerhard Rickert. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 22nd at 5 p.m. at the Carp River Gardens with Rev. David VanKley officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. at the gardens. The service will be followed by a luncheon also in the gardens. ***Directions to Carp River Gardens: Follow US 41 West from Marquette towards Negaunee. Take first right turn after TV6 Station, Heritage Drive. Follow Heritage Drive approximately 1/4 mile. Gardens are on right hand side.*** In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Friedhelm's memory to an Indian school in the Dakotas that Friedhelm contributed to for over 30 years, or to research for cures to Melanoma; also a local NAMI organization National Alliance on Mental Illness, where donations will be matched by the NAMI organiation. Memorials can be sent to Susan Shaver, 339 Harrison St., Marquette, MI 49855