Dennis J. Ricker

WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Dennis John Ricker, 93, of Westerville, was called home to God on February 26, 2026, at Danbury of Westerville Parkside Village, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born September 8, 1932, in Delphos, Ohio, to Bernard and Permilla (Wannemacher) Ricker, who preceded him in death.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 67 years, Therese M. (Humpert) Ricker, the love of his life and his steadfast partner through a lifetime of family, faith, and adventure.

He is also survived by his children, Dr. Denise Ricker (David Zaltsman), Bernard (Debbie) Ricker, John (Cheryl) Ricker, and Anthony (Shelli) Ricker; grandchildren Allie (Jason) Simon, Chelsea Ricker, Madison Ricker, Nathan (Meredith) Zaltsman, Emily Zaltsman, Jenna Ricker, Zach Ricker, Kevin Ricker, and Josie Ricker; great-grandchildren Hannah and Margaret Simon; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Beck.

Dennis served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan, an experience that provided many stories he enjoyed sharing throughout his life.

After his military service, Dennis earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton while working full time and raising four young children at home.

He went on to a 35-year career with Delco/General Motors as an electrical engineer. His inventive mind led to numerous innovations, and he held 11 patents during his career, including work related to the development of anti-lock braking technology for General Motors. In the 1970s, he even drove home an early prototype electric car, decades before such vehicles became common.

Dennis was deeply involved with St. Peter Catholic Church in Huber Heights, where he was one of the parish’s first lay ministers. He also devoted decades of service to St. Vincent de Paul, serving as president for more than 15 years and helping many families in need.

Known for his inventive mind and unique personality, Dennis was delightfully eccentric—though he always believed he was the most normal person in the room. There was hardly a household appliance he could not fix, and he was rarely happier than during a trip to the hardware store.

He enjoyed travel, photography, and new adventures, but above all loved spending time with his family.

Dennis and Therese shared 67 years of marriage filled with devotion to family, faith, and one another. He will be remembered with gratitude and love by all who knew him.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, April 18, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Delphos, Ohio. Military honors will be conducted following the mass at the church by the Delphos Veterans Council. Burial will be at a later date.

A reception and lunch will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Delphos.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Capital City Hospice (Columbus, Ohio), St. Vincent de Paul (Huber Heights), St. Peter Catholic Church (Huber Heights), or St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (Delphos).

Online condolences may be shared at weberfh.net.