Kevin Ricker

1937 - 2021

Kevin Ricker

It is with much sadness that I announce that my husband, Kevin Ricker, has died. What a huge hole he will leave in the lives of all those who knew and loved him. Kevin was born in Delphos, Ohio on February 23, 1937, to Hubert and Mary (Downes) Ricker. Kevin was always an optimistic, confident child growing up. His compassion and caregiving toward others began at an early age. He was active in scouting, earning his Eagle Scout Award. After attending St. John Grade School, Kevin entered St Meinrad Seminary to complete his high school education and prepare for the priesthood. He continued his education at the Pontifical American College in Rome where he spent 6 years embracing the Italian culture. He was ordained a Catholic Priest in Rome in December 1962. He returned to the Toledo Diocese where he initially worked with the Mexican migrant workers at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Bono, a ministry he valued.

His next assignments took him to Parishes in Lima, then Tiffin as an associate. He taught in the high schools there and worked with the young adults. He brought the Young Catholic Students Group (YCS) to both Lima and Tiffin. He became Diocesan Chaplain of Specialized Movements, YCS, YCW (Young Catholic Women), and CFM (Catholic Family Movement). He also served as the National Chaplain of Scouting. While in Tiffin, he learned of the TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) movement in Michigan and brought it to Carey, Ohio. He was transferred to Toledo Blessed Sacrament Parish where his desire to be a counselor led him to petition the bishop to further his education. He received his Master's in Family Therapy, became a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and a certified family life educator with the National Council on Family Relations. He began his counseling at Catholic Charities where he became the Family Life director. He was also the first President of Rescue Crisis. It was during this time that he eased out of the Priesthood and into full-time counseling at Elliott and Associates. He married and assisted in raising four stepchildren. He loved having his family and embraced his stepfather role. He continued his counseling and served on the boards of AAMFT (American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists), OAMFT (Ohio division), was newsletter editor, President, and received an award of honor in 1989. Following that, he became part of the National Association of AAMFT and was representative to the Divisional Affairs Council. He received an award at the National Conference. For three years, he gave presentations at the National Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics at Notre Dame under Father James Young.

In 1992, Kevin married Kathleen (Coehrs) Ricker and became a stepfather to her two children. He became active in the SAA (Stepfamily Association of America) first as board member, then President in 1994-95. He presented four times at their national conference. Locally, he oversaw a support group for stepfamilies and continued to give presentations. He also presented at the All-Ohio Counselors Conference for three years on stepfamilies.

He continued with his private practice as well, offering classes on divorce, giving presentations on marriage and divorce as well as the marriage prep classes for Catholics. Later, he began teaching Intro to psychology to freshmen at Monroe Community College. At the same time, he taught at Spring Arbor College preparing students at the master's level for counseling. He enjoyed those teaching years. He continued his counseling career until age 78 when health issues forced him to retire. Kevin was a very knowledgeable and compassionate man when it came to his work with his clients. Many spoke of how grateful they were for his warm and humane approach and spirit.

Despite all his obligations, Kevin managed to make his homes a happy place. He knew how to perfectly balance his work and home life. He gave his stepchildren so many opportunities in life and introduced them to nature and fun times. Kevin was full of life with a booming voice and boisterous laugh. He was always ready for the next adventure and had such a love and zest for life. His enthusiasm was infectious, and he would have maps spread all over the floor planning the next adventure. We were hiking all of the State and National Parks, in the mountains, Hocking Hills. Downhill skiing up north every year. Driving the country with the car packed. We had so much fun together! Never a harsh word or complaint from him. He treated everyone with respect and always put everyone first. Such a kind, loving man. He gifted me with his gardening, maintaining a yard full of beautiful flowers. He kept the house full of fresh flowers all year. He was a true romantic, showering me with small little gifts and more love than I knew what to do with. His greatest joy throughout his life was doing for others. What an amazing life he lived! A true servant.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Reverend J. Michael Ricker. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen; stepchildren, Mark (Lynne) Ludlum, children, Gabriel and Jeremy; Susan Ludlum, children Christyn and Zachary; Michael (Holly) Ludlum, child Mallory; Stacey (Nick) Sneider; and Sean (Lisa Wolken) Kornos.

I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude to Kevin's primary care physician, Dr. Berry Conlan, for his exceptional care of Kevin over the years as well his other physicians who have so kindly cared for him. A thank you to his caregivers at Kingston of Sylvania who treated him with such kindness. Also, a special thank you to all of Kevin's caregivers at Hospice of Northwest Ohio for all their compassionate and dignified care.

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, August 8, 2021, between 1:00 and 6:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave., Toledo, where a scripture service and sharing of memories will begin at 5:45 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 9, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5373 Main St., Sylvania. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park.

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