Meredith Elwyn Rickert

Meredith Elwyn Rickert was born July 8, 1945 in Sandwich, IL the son of Elwyn and Helen (Barker) Rickert. He graduated from Sandwich High School in 1963 and then attended Northern Illinois University. While attending university Meredith would spend his summers at Chequamegon Boys Camp as a camp counselor to help earn money to pay for college. This is where he developed a love of northern Wisconsin. In 1967, Meredith graduated with a degree in technology education. Meredith started his teaching career at Thornton Township School District where he taught Industrial Arts and Technical Education until 1990. On June 17, 1972 Meredith was joined in marriage to Nancy E. Hochberg in Dolton, IL. Together they lived in Dolton for a short time and then moved to South Holland, IL. While teaching for Thornton Township Meredith always continued his education and then received a Master’s degree from Chicago State University in 1976. In the early 1970’s Meredith started teaching photography and graphic arts at South Suburban College in Chicago, IL. In 1990, Meredith and Nancy moved to Winter, WI where they had a lake home on Lake Winter that Meredith built. They purchased the Sawyer County Gazette in Winter and operated the newspaper and printing business until 2011. Meredith was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Winter and the Winter Lions Club. He enjoyed carpentry and helping his children build onto their homes or complete their basements. He served on the Co-op board of directors and as President of the Winter Chamber of Commerce. He was a Cub Scout and Webelos leader. He loved working in the woods, cutting and splitting.

Meredith is survived by his wife of 41 years, Nancy; three children, Donna (Jeremiah) Knuckey of Winter, WI, Daniel (Leah) Rickert of Woodbury, MN, David (Julie) Rickert of Ashland, WI; six grandchildren, Mikayla, Jason, Isabella, Kyla, Miah and Taylor; and his black lab, Lightning.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service for Meredith will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 15th, at the First Presbyterian Church in Winter, WI. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church in Winter. Interment will be in the Winter Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church in Winter or the Winter School District Skills USA Program.