Lee Roy Rickert

     Lee R. Rickert, 82, of Sparta, died Saturday, August 29, 2020 at his home. He was born in Rupert, ID on February 4, 1938 to Henry and Rubie (Plummer) Rickert. Lee moved to the Cataract area when he was five years old.

     He married Annette Johnson on November 8, 1958 at the Cataract United Methodist Church. Lee was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force having served from 1954 to 1958, spending three of those years stationed in England. He began his career as a truck driver with Schneider Trucking followed by Larry Express of Tomah. Lee was hired at Gateway Foods/Fleming in 1977; delivering to South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska, retiring after 23 years.

     Upon retirement, Lee and Annette purchased a motorhome and coined themselves “snowbirds”.  From 2001 to 2013, they traveled to Kansas, New Mexico, and Colorado. This traveling the country came to an end to reside in Sparta, near friends and family.  Lee was an avid Packers and Brewers fan who loved classic country music and bib overalls.

   Lee is survived by his wife, Annette of Sparta; 5 sons, Steven (Deanna) Rickert of Sparta, James (Sandi) Rickert of New Castle, CO, Kelly Rickert of Eldrige, IA, Scott (Dawn) Rickert of Sparta, and Jeff (Nicole) Rickert of Schofield, WI; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Roger (Judy) Johnson and Dennis Johnson both of Sparta; and many nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Annice Peterson; brothers, Rae Roger and Stanley; brothers-in-law, Pete Peterson and Bruce Johnson; and mother and father-in-law, Margaret and Spencer Johnson.

     A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 11, 2020, at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home. Graveside services and burial will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 12, 2020, in Cataract Cemetery with Reverend Roberta Nowicki officiating. Full military honors, provided by VFW Post 2112 of Sparta, will follow the committal. A celebration of Lee’s life will continue following cemetery services at his son, Steve’s home at 12535 Sate Hwy 27, Sparta. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.  

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