William H. “Bill” Ricke, Sr., age 94, of New Albany, Indiana, died July 31, 2021. He was born in New Albany on December 18, 1926, the oldest of four children born to Charles W. Ricke and Adalaide Graf Ricke. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife in 2012, of 59 years, Patricia Crooks Ricke; his sister, Maggie Ricke; and brother, Leo Ricke.
He is survived by his children, William Ricke, Jr (Anne) of St. Petersburg, FL, Mary Pat Shane (Tom) of Melbourne Beach, FL, Chuck Ricke (Laura) of Bowling Green, KY, and Joe Ricke (Joanie) of Floyds Knobs, IN; and grandchildren, Brandon Richard-Ricke, Braughm Ricke (Amanda,) Beth Ricke (Jason Mills) and Erin Holderman (Chris). Bill has five great-grandchildren, Jonas, Braiden, Teague and Charlie Ricke and William Holderman. He is also survived by his sister, Janie Farish (Merlin) of New Albany; sister-in-law, Clara Jackson of Fort Lauderdale, FL; and many, many nieces and nephews.
Bill joined the Army Air Corp (which later became the US Air Force) after graduating from New Albany High School. He served his country proudly during World War II and Korea. He was a proud graduate of Purdue University, receiving his degree in engineering. He retired from General Electric Company, then spent many years in Melbourne Beach, Florida, returning to New Albany in 2013, living in a villa home at The Villages of Historic Silvercrest. He was happy to be home again and up until the pandemic started was meeting for lunch monthly with a group of classmates from his New Albany High School graduating class of 1945.
He was a true gentleman, kind, humble and gracious who could fix anything.
Visitation will be held from 4 pm ~ 8 pm Wednesday, August 4th, at Kraft Funeral Service, 708 E. Spring Street, New Albany, Indiana. There will be a Prayer Service at 6:30 Wednesday at the funeral home. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am Thursday, August 5th, at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 8th and Spring Streets, New Albany with military honors following.
You may share memories or offer condolences by visiting www.kraftfuneralservice.net.
