"Bill, John and families, So saddened to see of your mom?s passing. She was such a sweet, fun lady always ready to pitch in. Her smile and laugh were so genuine and made everyone around her feel good! I know her disease robbed you of some wonderful years, but take comfort in the great memories you created with her. She will be remembered fondly! "
In loving memory of
Anita L. Ricke
May 30, 1946 - September 2, 2021
A private family funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at Diving Mercy Parish - St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wesley. A public visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Monday, September 6, 2021, at Oakcrest Funeral Services, Wesley.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Relief Services in Anita's name.
Anita Louise (Gronniger) Ricke was born the third of eight children on May 30, 1946, in Denton, KS, daughter of Henry and Theresa (Miller) Gronniger. She grew up in Denton, KS, graduating from Midway High School. Following high school, she moved to Omaha and Chicago for a short time before moving to New York.
On April 29, 1967, she was united in marriage to William "Bill" Ricke in Queens, NY. To this union they had three children: Theresa, William, and John. In 1987, the couple moved to Wesley to take over the family farm.
Anita was an energetic lady that never passed up an opportunity to get the most out of life through her many interests and hobbies. One might often see her outdoors gardening, fishing, camping or tending to the flowers she loved. Anita often went to yard sales where she had the talent to take those finds and repurpose them into something new. Anita made certain there was time for music too. She and her husband, Bill loved to go dancing or she would sing along while he played the piano.
What was most important to Anita was the love she had for her family, and they were the light of her life. Even the family pets held a special place with her dog often getting homemade meals, despite the fact that the cats were the favorites. She left them with a treasure of great memories, and they will always remember her as a hard-working, faithful, caring person. Anita was a member of Divine Mercy Parish - St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley where she faithfully attended.
Anita died Thursday, September 2, 2021, at Elk Ridge Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Maplewood, MN. She was 75.
She is survived by her children: Theresa (David Kiely) Ricke-Kiely of St. Paul, MN; William (Emily) Ricke of Madison, WI; John (Sherry) Ricke of Fonda; five grandchildren: Isabella, Elena, Caleb, Elizabeth, and Joseph; siblings Rosetta (David) Hodge of Union Star, MO; Danny (Kim) Gronniger of Topeka, KS; Damian (Eileen) Gronniger of Denton, KS; Frieda Gronniger of Denton, KS; Denise Gronniger of Denton, KS; Dennis (Ann) Gronniger of St. Joseph, MO; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death are her parents; husband Bill Ricke in 2002; and brother Gary Gronniger.
Tributes
"Anita was my partner in crime here in New York , taking classes together and just having wonderful times and beautiful memories. I am so glad to have known her for the past 37 years and called her one of my best friends. Rest easy my friend."
"To all of you I send my heartfelt condolences for your loss. My childhood was blessed by my closest neighbors. Gary, Anita, and I spent time outdoors and at high school basketball games. She never ignored a challenge. She never forgot family. Prayers and love Linda Barrow "
"Anita was married to my cousin Bill. Her smile was so infectious that it made everyone around her happy. May she rest in peace. "
"Anita was a true loving, kind and giving soul. I was fortunate enough to share many good times with her loving and caring friendship."