Geneal D. Ricker

1922-2024

 

     Geneal D. Ricker, 102 of Keokuk, IA passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024 at River Hills Village in Keokuk.

     She was born January 27, 1922 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of Raymond William and Mildred Louise Nelson Blan.  Geneal graduated from Keokuk High School.   

     With a deep sense of duty and a patriotic heart, Geneal was inspired by her father’s service in the U.S. Army during WWI and followed in his footsteps.   She enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served her country in WWII as a radio operator.

     On December 14, 1947 Geneal was united in marriage to Ronald Ricker in Keokuk.  He preceded her in death on July 5, 2006.

      Geneal was a faithful member of First Lutheran Church and served on the Women’s Auxiliary for many years.  She was also a member of the American Legion Post #41 Auxiliary and VFW.

     She loved to golf and spent countless hours on the golf course. Geneal was known for her warm smile, sharp wit, and generous heart.  Geneal’s greatest pride and joy was her family.  She cherished the time she spent with them and leaves a lifetime of memories for them to treasure.

     She is survived by one son, Philip Ricker of Asheville, N.C., one daughter, Lori Ricker of The Colony, TX, three grandchildren, Joshua Ricker of Hannibal, MO, Taya Ricker of New York, NY and Alex Ricker of Honolulu, HI and two great-grandchildren, Ella Ricker and Maxwell Ricker both of Hannibal, MO.

     Besides her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents, one son, James Ricker, one sister, Joy Chambers, one brother-in-law, George Chambers and all of her friends. 

     A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 10, 2025 at the First Lutheran Church in Keokuk.  Burial with military rites will held in the Keokuk National Cemetery.

     Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, January 9, 2025 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with family meeting with friends at that time. 

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com