Jack R. Ricker, age 80 of Helena, went to his heavenly home to his Lord and Master on Sunday, January 30, 2011 surrounded by his loving family at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls. He was born July 11, 1930 in Helena, Montana.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Jack W. and Carol R. Ricker and a brother James.
Jack graduated from Helena High School in 1948 then attended Carroll College. During his teenage years, he worked at Western Life Ins. Co. He worked for the Highway Patrol from 1950 to 1951. He began his work with the Department of Transportation in 1948 during the summer and continued with full time employment there. He worked in the Right-of-Way department at various levels and became Chief of the Right-of-Way Bureau for several years before his retirement in 1992. He spent a total of 43 years in the Department of Transportation. Jack also served in the National Guard from 1948 to 1957.
He is survived by his loving wife Bonnie of 58 years; daughter Pamela Cronen and her husband Ray; son Bradley Ricker and his wife Cheryl; son Bruce Ricker all of Helena; Thirteen grandchildren, Travis Cronen, Melissa Newlon (Chris), Jennifer Brown (Bryan), Jennifer and Tylor Ricker, Lillian Mitchell, Risha, Ronnie, Russell, RyeAnne, Colton, and Jake Ricker and Cody Anne Bring; a sister Sharon Sewell of Spokane; and his brother Phil and his wife Merrilyn Ricker of Eagle River, AK.
Jack spent his life devoted to his family, his Lord and church, he enjoyed his work each day. He liked to do carpentry work, woodworking, and reading. Jack served his church as a Deacon, Elder, board chairman for 4 years and served on various committees. Jack also sang as a member of the Barbershop Chorus and with the church choir for many years.
Visitation will be held at Retz Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, February 3, 2011 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Private family interment will be held on Friday, February 4, 2011 at Forestvale Cemetery. A Memorial service will be held at the First Christian Church at 311 Power St. on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 2pm with a reception to follow. Pastor Scott Budlong will preside over the service.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the First Christian Church, 311 Power, Helena, MT 59601; the American Cancer Society, 550 North 31st, Ste 103,Billings MT 59101 or to a charity of choice. To send a condolence to the family or share a memory of Jack, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
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Rick and Judy Newlon says
We met Jack after his granddaughter, Melissa, became engaged to our son, Chris. We tripped the light fantastic at Jennifer and Brian’s wedding reception, and came to love Jack for his fun-loving and kind manner. My goodness that man could cut a rug. Bonnie your were such a lucky lady to have been blessed in marriage for 58 years to Jack. We shall miss him.
Jane Thiemens says
My family has lived next to Jack and Bonnie for almost 50 years. They were wonderful neighbors. Jack always had a perfect, well-kept yard. My sympathies go out to Bonnie, Pam, Brad and Bruce and your families in this sad time.
Sibley Malee Ligas says
I’ve known Jack and Bonnie since I was young and growing up in Helena. Please know that my families’ thougths and prayers are with you all at this time. God Bless.
Brian Pierce says
Condolences
Mary Kay Raftery says
I met Jack for the only time when he attended a very cold tree planting ceremony at the Capitol in April, 2007 in honor of our son Paul who had been murdered in Dec., 2006.
Jack walked with me back to the Supreme Court Building after the planting. He was such a nice, lovely man. I’m sure you will miss his kindness very much. My husband Bob told me they had been very good friends in high school.
We both send our condolences and you are in our prayers.
Mary Kay Raftery
Sylvia Stevens says
The Ricker family is in my prayers. Remember the happy times and be blest.
Jennifer Brown says
Jack was a wonderful man and a very special Grandpa to me. He will be missed dearly but all of us are so blessed to have had many wonderful years spent with him. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Jack says how sweet he was, he had a wonderful, caring, and loving heart that we will always remember. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone inside and out of my family at this time. Thank you to everyone for all the support and love for my family and especially for everything everyone has done to help Grandma at this difficult time.
Ginger says
To the family we are blessed to be a part of, we send our deepest condolences and Love to you all.
Dad was a wonderful person full of love and always willing to help others. He had a terrific sense of humor and shared it with others often.
He will be greatly missed.
All Our Love and prayers,
Ginger, Jennifer, Tylor and Bruce Stewart.
Allen and Becci Jones says
Knew Jack from MDOT. He was a good supervisor and good man. We will miss him.
Jerry Padbury says
Phil, sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. We had some nice visits over the years.
Patrick Leeds says
I was deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Jack. He was a great man whose advise meant a lot of things to many people. He will be missed tremendously. I will always treasure his great wit and helpful advice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.