Obituary of Richard Ricklefs

Richard F. “Dick” Ricklefs, 88, of Muscatine, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2019 at his home.  Cremation Rites have been facilitated by the FCS Life Transition and Cremation Center.  Inurnment will be held at Greenwood Cemetery on June 18, 2019 at 1:00 p.m..  The Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Home for Funeral and Cremation Services is caring for Dick’s arrangements and his family.  Sympathy notes may be left at www.lewisfuneralhomes.com.

Richard was born on June 13, 1930 in Bloomington Township, the son of John E. and Hallie V. (Finley) Ricklefs.  Dick proudly served his country in the United States Army.  On February 8, 1958, Dick was united in marriage to Arlene Hunter at Grace Lutheran Church in Muscatine.  He farmed in his early years and then went on to work for Thatcher Plastics for 40 years.  Dick was a former member of the Moose.   He enjoyed fishing, hunting, mushroom hunting, doing puzzles and was a member of the 500 card club group. 

Dick will be missed by his wife, Arlene of Muscatine; children, Desiree Belzer of Columbus, Nebrasksa, Rodney (Linda) Ricklefs of Waterford, Michigan, Susan (Daniel) Sutera of Muscatine and William (Kochell) Ricklefs of Dunkerton; seven grandchildren Eric (Jill) Belzer, Erin (Mark) Kistler, Henry (Jace Brown) Ricklefs, Danielle Ricklefs, Rachele Ricklefs, Kenzley Schwering and Hayden Ricklefs; eight great grandchildren and sister, Darlene Steele.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald (Della) Ricklefs; father and mother in law, William and Dorothy Hunter and son-in-law, Jim Belzer.