Ronald Ray Ricker

Ron Ricker, 81, died suddenly and unexpectedly on October 1st while representing clients during proceedings at a law office. Despite heroic efforts to save him, he was pronounced in the E.R. at Iowa Methodist Medical Center/Unity Point. He was a talented and long-serving officer of the court.

Ron was born in Des Moines, IA, and grew up in the Saydel public school system. He graduated from Iowa State in 1966. After college, Ron joined the Army and served a stint in Vietnam. With his G.I. bill benefits, Ron attended law school and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa Law School. He practiced as a sole practitioner while affiliated with larger law firms.

Always trying to stay physically fit, Ron helped to found a running club that bears his name. Runners from all walks of life would meet in Ron’s driveway on Saturday during nicer months. After their runs they would enjoy coffee and camaraderie. When the weather turned colder, the running club would regroup after a run at a coffee shop. Although they began meeting years ago, the club still meets most Saturday mornings. Some early members have passed on, while new members have joined.

Ron was known as Uncle Ron to all his nieces and nephews, and he cherished time spent with them. He was even an “uncle” to the young children of friends and associates. A niece, who is now a junior in High school, responded after hearing about Ron’s passing, with a great deal of emotion, that “Christmas won’t be the same without Uncle Ron.” It was obvious that Ron loved kids, and kids loved him. At the birthday party of a nephew who was turning one year old, Ron had purchased a huge stuffed Teddy bear that the birthday boy couldn’t even get his arms around. The reaction to the present was priceless, and it was very gratifying to see the look on both Ron’s and the birthday boy’s faces. It is still mentioned to this day what a memorable moment Ron’s thoughtfulness had occasioned. That one-year-old is now 22 years old, proving that Ron was a true and caring uncle over many, many years.

Ron leaves behind his loving wife, Kathleen. They spent 54 years together. They were married during the summer before Ron’s last year of law school. Kathy taught school while Ron attended classes. Kathy and Ron moved back to Des Moines to begin their “real” life together after Ron got his J.D. Ron started out with a firm, but he eventually struck out on his own to make his own way. He was an excellent lawyer and did his best for his clients. Ron was a good man, a caring man, a loving man. He will be greatly missed but not forgotten.

Ron is also survived by his brother, Steve Ricker. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Marie, and his brother, Doug Ricker.

Services will be held at Noon at the Basilica of St. John, 1915 University Ave., with visitation beforehand, from 11 A.M. until services begin. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorials can be made to The Basilica of St. John or Dowling Catholic High School.

Services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 8 at The Basilica of St. John (1915 University Avenue, Des Moines), with visitation taking place one hour before services, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to The Basilica of St. John or Dowling Catholic High School.