Paul Ricken

V. PAUL RICKEN, CLU 86, Resident of The Colony, peacefully entered Eternal Life on February 6, 2009 at home surrounded by his family. Paul was born on December 12, 1922 in Dodge City, Kansas to William and Christina Ricken. He was a 1941 graduate of Dodge City High. He served nearly 4 years (1942-1946) in the U.S. Navy as a First Class Petty Officer all through the South Pacific ending in Japan and Korea after Japan surrendered and signed the Peace Treaty. A business graduate of the University of Denver ('48), his life's works and hobby were spent in the life insurance business. Paul began his career with Travelers and New York Life. After 38 successful years in the business, he retired on January 1, 1986 from Mutual Benefit Life as Regional Director of Group Sales. He worked an additional 5 years for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assisting taxpayers in understanding the tax code. Paul was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Murrieta Mission Council 11393, a life member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars - VFW Post 4098 and The Italian Catholic Federation branch 411, St. Martha Parish. He had a catching smile and a twinkle in his eye. Known for his generosity, Paul lived by the philosophy, "To thine own self be true." His wife Madonna, of 58 years, survives him, along with children Christine (Mike) Williams (Walnut Creek), Theresa (David) Andersen (Dublin), W. Grant Ricken (Spokane, WA), Ann (Eric) Ward (Altadena) and nine grandchildren as well as brothers, Joe (Ruth Isla) Ricken (Clovis), Lee (Kay) Ricken (Los Alamos, CO) and sister, Doris (Harold) Rizzuto (La Junta, CO) and many nieces and nephews. His parents, five brothers and a sister preceded his death. Services were held on February 11 at St. Martha Catholic Church, Murrieta, California officiated by his nephew, The Most Reverend Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay, WI. Paul was laid to rest February 12 at Riverside National Cemetery. The family requests any memorial gifts to be sent to: Hospice of the Valleys 25240 Hancock Avenue, Suite 120 Murrieta, CA 92562-5991 Or USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Room 8302 Los Angeles, CA 90089-9181