Charles Thomas Ricksecker

Charles Thomas Ricksecker

April 23, 1948 - Oct. 30, 2023

BELOIT - On October 30, 2023, our beloved Charles Thomas Ricksecker, passed away peacefully at the age of 75, after displaying immense courage and compassion throughout his battle with Glioblastoma (brain) cancer.

Born on April 23, 1948, in Beloit, WI, he was the eldest child of the late Stanley and Mary Pauline (McCarville) Ricksecker. Charlie's life was marked by a profound commitment to learning and a deep love for his family, friends, and community. He was a proud graduate of Beloit Catholic High School, Class of 1966, and later earned his B.A. degrees in history and library science, as well as a master's degree in library science from the University of Wisconsin Madison. In a testament to his learning spirit, Charlie pursued an associate degree in HVAC technology from Madison Technical College, achieving this feat with Magna Cum Laude honors.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Charlie served honorably in the US Air Force and was employed by several companies, including Beloit Daily News, Beatrice Dairy, USPS, Electro Specialties, UW Library, Department of Natural Resources, and Oakhill Correctional Institute.

His appreciation for public transportation, developed during his time in Madison, and he came to prefer it to driving his own vehicle. Charlie exhibited an appreciation for the art of the handwritten letter and card. He cherished the beauty of penmanship and found joy in sending thoughtful notes to his family and friends. He embraced new experiences such as tennis, biking, inline skating, and wind surfing, and his dedication to fitness inspired him to establish lasting friendships at the gym. After rigorous workouts, he delighted in savoring his favorite treats: popcorn, chocolate ice cream, root beer, and a Culver's fish fry. He enjoyed all forms of theater with friends. He relished the art of debate, always eager to see multiple sides of an argument.

As a lifelong student, Charlie was renowned for his love of learning, particularly in the fields of math, history, and geography. He generously shared his knowledge and skills with his nieces and nephews, fostering their curiosity from an early age. Charlie was a formidable opponent in trivia, having invested countless hours at the UW Helen C. White Library stacks studying local and global geographical facts. He held a deep passion for books, art, railroads, and music, and his generous spirit shone through when he twice donated the largest collection of books to the UW Madison Library.

Charlie's connection to his hometown, Beloit, was sincere. He was an active member of the Beloit Historical Society and had a vast knowledge of all things related to Beloit.

He will be remembered not only for his impressive achievements but also for his warmth, kindness, and the love he shared with his family and friends.

Charlie is survived by his three siblings: Stan Ricksecker Jr. of Phoenix AZ, Jim Ricksecker (Molly Duffy) of Wauwatosa, and Mary Ricksecker (Mike Halton) of Madison. He leaves behind his cherished nieces and nephews: Sara Halton Mitchell (Matthew Mitchell) of Port Townsend, WA, Melissa Ricksecker Matasar (Scott Matasar) of Denver, CO, Ryan Halton of Madison, Daniel Ricksecker of Wauwatosa, and, of course, Maureen Casey Ricksecker (Sean Krieger) also of Wauwatosa. His cousins and their families held a special place in his heart, and he remained close to them throughout his life.

Charlie's extended family, many caring friends, and neighbors from Toast Masters, the Mound Street neighborhood, and Beloit Catholic High School enriched his life in countless ways. He had a special bond with his dear friend, Arlene Nuciforo Summers; as well as neighbors: Tommy and Nick Annen and Jane Doyle.

A Celebration of Charlie's life will take place in the Spring of 2024. Details of the date, place, and time will be shared at a later date. Prior to the Celebration of Life, Charlie's remains will be interred during a ceremony at Calvary Cemetery in Beloit, WI.

Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit, WI, assisted the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be sent to Charlie's hospice, the Agrace Foundation, at 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711, or online at Agrace Foundation. Your support will honor Charlie's memory and the love he shared with all of us.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.daleymurphywisch.com.