David W. Rickert

Freedom – David W. Rickert, age 78, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on March 27, 2021. He was born on December 22, 1942, son of the late Joseph and Edna (Green) Rickert. Dave married the love of his life, Judy Gonnering on June 6, 1964 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Freedom.

Dave graduated from St. Nicholas grade school, Freedom High School and UW Madison in the Agriculture & Farming short course.

Dave purchased the farm that he was raised on with Judy and together they and their children farmed for most of Dave’s working years. He was always very particular about plowing and planting. In his words, “Crooked rows were not allowed!” He continued his love of farming by taking daily drives until just recently making sure all the area crops were up to standards. After farming, Dave worked at Stock Lumber for 10 years making many wonderful friendships there.

Dave’s love for sports started at a young age, he was a four year letter winner in four different sports in high school. He played baseball for the Freedom Mets for a few years after school. He loved watching his beloved Wisconsin sports teams, the Badgers, Brewers and most importantly the Green Bay Packers. Dave was brought by his father to his first home Packers game when he was 9 years old. He has not missed a home game since. It took a pandemic to end his 68 year streak of not missing a home game. Dave was a very proud share-holder of the team.

Dave was very proud of his Freedom community. He was honored to serve the community on the town board for the past seven years. His honesty, integrity and knowledge will be missed at the meetings. Dave also enjoyed traveling to all 50 states with great friends and spending time with his family. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Judy Rickert; children: Robert (Jodi) Rickert, Lisa Rickert and Kristine Rickert; grandson, Justin (Hilary) Rickert; granddaughter, Cassi Miramontes; great granddaughters: twins, Lydia and Sophia; siblings: Joan (Ron) Semrow, Pat (Mary), Bill (Katie), Dan (Joy), Kathy (Marv) Schiedermayer, Mike (Jill) and Cindy (Mike) Ballweg; in-laws: Ron Springstroh, Ron Gonnering and Marilyn Gonnering; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Edna; sister, Marge Springstroh; brother, Gary  Rickert; father and mother-in-law, Norbert and Florence Gonnering; brothers-in-law: Robert and Tom Gonnering.

Visitation will be on Monday, April 5, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home FREEDOM LOCATION, N3972 Columbia Ave. A prayer service will conclude the evening at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Tuesday morning at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, W2037 County Road S, Freedom, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 11:00 a.m. Masks will be required and social distancing practiced. For those wishing to view the service online, it can be seen at 11:00 a.m. at the following site: https://tinyurl.com/stnicholasfreedom. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

The Rickert family would like to extend a special thank you to ThedaCare at Home, especially Amber for the loving care that Dave received during his final days. Also a thank you to the entire staff at Good Shepherd Nursing Facilities in Seymour for the wonderful care during Dave’s stay.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.