David J. Ricker

Deacon David J. Ricker, age 69, of Delphos passed away Saturday, October 29, 2022 at Mercy Health St. Rita’s surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 17, 1953, in Lima to Hubert L. Ricker and Mary (Stuber) Ricker, his father survives in Delphos and his mother precedes him in death. He married the love of his life, Susan Maas, on November 22, 1975 and she survives in Delphos.

Dave is survived by two sons; David (Sara) Ricker II and Joshua (Micheline) Ricker both of Delphos; and his daughter Kristen (Ryan) Karhoff of Payne. He was pawpaw to eight grandchildren, Kailyn, Kyren, Josie, Lilah, Blaize, Harper, Ariana and Chloe. He is also survived by three brothers, William (Donna) Ricker of Lithopolis, OH, Stephen (Dee) Ricker of Brandon, MS and Harold (Kelly) Ricker of Paulding; and his two sisters, Dianne (Jeff) Wiltsie of Delphos and Nanc’ (Michael) Fischer of Augusta, GA.

He was also preceded in death by step-mothers, Betty (Lucke) Ricker and Jean (Huebner) Ricker; and in-laws, Carl T. and Edna M. Maas.

Dave was a 1971 graduate of Delphos St. John’s. After high school he went to work for Chrysler in Van Wert for several years and then went on to work at Artex Hobby products in Lima. Artex moved to Columbia, S.C. and Dave transferred there. After three years in South Carolina, he and Sue missed their family and friends back in Delphos so he took a job at New Idea in Coldwater, Ohio and came back home  to Delphos. He worked at New Idea until 1999 and then became plant manager at Progressive Tool and Die in Delphos working there until he retired this year. God called him to the deaconate and he was ordained a deacon in the Toledo Diocese on May 9, 1998. His chosen ministry within the deaconate was helping couples prepare for marriage, he truly loved this and would perform wedding ceremonies for some of the couples, and was part of the marriages of all three of his children. His other true passion was baptizing babies into the catholic church. He had the honor and joy and was blessed to have baptized his grandkids.

He got his passion for woodworking from his father. He loved gardening and was a ”master” griller and loved smoking meats. Dave was an avid Michigan fan.

He loved being the “fix anything man” for his kids and grandkids, especially a broken heart. Serving God, loving his family unconditionally and teaching them along the way was first in his heart.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 3 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

Friends may call on Wednesday, November 2,  from 2:00-8:00 p.m. at Weber Funeral Home, 1840 E. Fifth St., Delphos where a parish wake service will be held at 7:45 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Micah Galuzny Benefit to help with his medical expenses as he battles cancer. Online condolences may be shared at info@weber fh.net.