Joseph D. Rickert

On March 18, 2025 at the age of 97, our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Joseph D. Rickert went to sleep with the angels, a phrase he often said. He died peacefully with his loving family by his side.
Joe was born on November 20, 1927 in Freedom to Laura (Bosman) and Joseph H. Rickert, and grew up on the homestead farm. In 1955 he began working for the Outagamie County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service where he stayed for 39 years. On June 11, 1957 he married Patricia A. Fritsch from DePere. They were blessed with six children: Vicky (John) Parks, Tammy (Kevin) VandeYacht, Lisa (Eric) Ebersberger, Linda Sternhagen (Glenn Brouillard), Rick, and Terri Jo (Jeff) Countney, 11 grandchildren: Desiree', Simone, Reid, Garrett, Bryce, Nikki, Joe, Jada, Daali, Mason, and Quinn and 13 great grandchildren.
Over the years Joe was active in sports, playing baseball, golf and bowling. He umpired baseball and refereed basketball. Joe loved the Green Bay Packers and was a season ticket holder for many years.
During retirement Joe kept busy doing on the road driver's education training. He volunteered at St. Joseph Food Pantry and St Vincent DePaul. Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Serra Club of the Green Bay Diocese, the Catholic War Vets and the VFW. Most importantly, Joe lovingly served family and friends who were hospitalized, homebound or in a nursing home who needed a regular visit and a friendly face. Joe was a man of deep faith and a member of St Pius X for over 65 years. Joe served 2 years in the US Navy after World War II, spending much of his service time in Japan.
Joe was well respected by his friends and colleagues. His gentle spirit and genuine interest in others was appreciated by all who were blessed to know him. Joe had a playful nature and loved to tease. His heart was always filled with humility and sincerity. He often expressed how much being with family meant to him. Joe's life was a beautiful example of service to others. His positivity manifested goodness throughout his life. He will be deeply missed.
Joe is survived by his wife Pat and 5 daughters. Preceding Joe in death are his son Rick, an infant sister Anna Mae, 6 brothers: Rev. William, Robert, Roy, Richard, John, and Thomas, a son-in-law Robert Sternhagen and many other relatives.
The funeral liturgy for Joe will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at St Pius X Catholic Church, 500 W. Marquette St. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. at the church. For online condolences please visit www.valleyfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Red Cross or Salvation Army, or if you wish in Joe's honor, visit a friend in need.
Dad we know, as you said daily, I'll be smiling in my sleep."
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