David Michael Rickert

Born on February 12, 1954, in Bourne, Massachusetts, Dave was a man who lived a life full of love, laughter, and dedication to God, his family and community.

An accomplished scholar, Dave graduated summa cum laude from Northern Illinois University in 1975 and earned his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School in 1978. His professional career as a business and construction litigator was marked by dedication and excellence. In 2015, his expertise and commitment were recognized when he was named an Ohio Super Lawyer. Even in partial retirement, Dave continued to serve as a mediator and arbitrator, finding fulfillment in resolving business disputes.

Dave was a man of many passions. An avid bike enthusiast, he cycled to work regardless of the weather and accumulated over 25,000 miles on his bike. An adventurer at heart, Dave was also a licensed pilot and recently enjoyed restoring a 1972 VW Beetle, which he delighted in driving with his grandchildren. His quick wit and love of storytelling brought joy and laughter to all who knew him.

Beyond his professional and personal pursuits, Dave’s life was also defined by his commitment to service and faith in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. A longtime attendee of Patterson Park Church and later Washington Heights Baptist Church, he participated in numerous ministry opportunities. His leadership extended to having served as a board member and board chair for the AIDS Resource Center Ohio and a board member of Operation Mobilization. In the local community, Dave also served through his everyday actions — whether visiting friends in the hospital, mowing a neighbor's lawn, or praying for family members during his daily bike rides.

Dave's legacy lives on through his devoted wife of 52 years, Brenna (Miller) Rickert; his brother, Paul and Linda (Thomas) Rickert of Astoria, NY; his children, Tim and Amie (Poelman) Rickert of Downer's Grove, IL; Michael and Tanya (Meyers) Rickert of Fishers, IN; and Matthew and Sarah Beth (Kanost) Rickert of Dayton, OH. His seven cherished grandchildren—Ella, Mikayla, Ethan, Anna, Tayla, Sam, and Paul—were the light of his life. Dave's love for his family knew no bounds, and he relished every opportunity to support and celebrate their accomplishments.

His life was a testament to the power of love and service, and his memory will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 17, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Tobias Funeral Home, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek, Ohio. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 18, at 11:00 a.m. at Tobias Funeral Home - Beavercreek Chapel, followed by burial at Woodland Cemetery, 118 Woodland Avenue, Dayton, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Miami Valley Baptist Church for the Deaf and Hearing (https://mvbcdh.wixsite.com/church/donate) in Dave’s memory.