Jerome Ricks

OBITUARY Jerome Clayton Ricks was born in Delaware Township, MN on November 5, 1927, the son of Lawrence and Gladys (Christenson) Ricks. He attended rural school in District #51 through the eighth grade and then attended West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, MN. He farmed with his father until he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served for seven months and received an honorable discharge to return home to the farm after his father?s heart attack. Jerome married the ?Love of his Life,? Ina Jean Pikop, on December 30, 1951 at the First Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake, MN. Together they farmed and built a home in Delaware Township where they raised their four children Susan, Kathryn, David, and Nancy. Jerome farmed until 1987 and sold Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance for 28 years retiring in 1993. Jerome was involved with the church and in the community by being on the United Lutheran Church council and on the Elbow Lake-Wendell school board. Throughout Jerome?s life he was faithful to God and to his family. He taught Sunday school and the Bethel Series in Elbow Lake and was involved with many Bible studies in Alexandria, as well as the Mighty Men of Prayer. He visited many people through Elder Network and was a proud member of the Golden K?s. He taught his children the value of being driven and working hard to accomplish their goals in life. He also taught them to be honest, never to lie, and to have integrity in everything you do. Jerome always wanted to give far more than he ever wanted to receive. He volunteered his time to help build United Lutheran Church and he even helped build Tipsinah Mounds Golf Course. Jerome was a man who could envision a fix to problems and then make it work. He loved all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and they all loved him. He enjoyed watching and taking many photos and videos of his children and grandchildren. He was a very kind and loving man who frequently said to his wife, ?Honey, I love you, I always have and I always will.? He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Jerome C. Ricks died on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at Knute Nelson, a nursing home in Alexandria, MN at the age of 86 years old. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Jean Ricks of Alexandria; children: Susan (Steven) Davidson of Alexandria, David (Kathy) Ricks of Sioux Falls, SD, and Nancy (Richard) Keller of Edina, MN; ten grandchildren: Chad, Shelly, Kasey, Gabriel, Abigail, Brandon, Elizabeth, Christopher, Nathan, and Zachary; six great grandchildren: Armin, Edric, Gage, Brady, Hudson, and Graham; brother Lowell (Ginger) Ricks of Elbow Lake, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Kathryn. A funeral service was held on Monday, March 17, 2014 at Living Word Lutheran Church with the Reverend A.J. Kluver officiating. The LWLC Chordsmen sang special songs with Angie Gunderson accompanying them by playing the piano. Beverly Steuck also played the piano. Interment will be later in the Spring at Ness Cemetery in Elbow Lake, MN. Casket Bearers were Nathan Keller, Zachary Keller, Brandon White, Gabriel White, Chad Wegner, and Christopher Ricks. Honorary Casket Bearers were Elizabeth Crockett, Shelly Soltis, Abigail Janis, and Kasey Pommer. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria www.andersonfuneral.net