John R. Rickel, age 79, of Escanaba, died Wednesday March 21, 2007 at the Iron Mountain Veterans Administration Hospital surrounded by his loving family. 

John was born July 7, 1927, in Cornell, the son of Frank and Magdeline (Listle) Rickel.  John was raised in Cornell and attended the Cornell school system.  Following his years in school, John worked on his family’s farm before enlisting in the United States Army where he was stationed in France during WWII.  Throughout his enlistment, John received medals of accommodation, which included: the Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), Lapel Button and 1 Overseas Service Bar for his honorable service to his country.  John was honorably discharged in February of 1947 and on August 19, 1949 he was joined in marriage, to the former Helen Orzel, at the St. Michael Church in Perronville.  Together the couple resided in Ford River until 1966, at which time, they relocated to Escanaba where they continued to raise their family and make their home.  For years John and Helen sent care packages to a former WWII prisoner whom resided in France.  Helen preceded John in death on April 18, 2005.  John was a very dedicated husband to his wife, Helen.  He had a very caring, gentle and tender manner throughout their marriage and his family especially remembers his caring touch during the later years when Helen’s health began to fail.  Throughout his life, John was employed for the Birdseye Grocery Store, The House of Ludington for 18 years, Harnischfeger Corporation and American Timber Homes before becoming self employed doing John Rickel General Contracting.  John was a member of the St. Anne Church in Escanaba.  He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed woodworking and crafting.    

Survivors include:

1 Son:  Ron (Cheri) Rickel of Pembine, WI

2 Daughters:  Susan (Jeffrey) Bratonia of Rapid River, MI; Sandra (John) Parrotta of Rapid River, MI

10 Grandchildren:  Michael (Amy), Joe, Jamie, Jenny, Jennifer, Lisa, Nicole, Christin (Josh), Carrie and Katie

3 Great Grandchildren:  Mason, Hunter and Emma

Also listed among the surviving family are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and close family friend, Kim and members of the Pepin families. 

In addition to his parents, Frank and Magdeline and his loving wife Helen, John was preceded in death by:

1 Brother:  Patrick Rickel

1 Sister:  Lila Martin

1 Granddaughter:  Shawn Stayton
 
The Rickel family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00AM to 1:00PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba.  Military rites will be conducted at 12:45PM by the Delta County Veterans Council.  Funeral services celebrating the life of John R. Rickel will follow military rites, at 1:00PM, at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home, with Rev. Fr. Mike Steber of the St. Anne Church officiating.  Luncheon will follow funeral services at the Escanaba VFW.  Committal will be at the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.  The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Rickel Family with arrangements.