John Ricke Death Cause, Obituary, Wife, Kids, Biography, Age, Family, Career & Facts
John Ricke, a social studies teacher at Manitowoc Lincoln High School who was known for his passion for teaching and his kindness to students, died on September 25, 2023. He was 52.
The cause of death was not disclosed by his family, but they said he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones. His death shocked and saddened the school community, where he had taught for 27 years.
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A Dedicated Educator and a Mentor
Mr. Ricke was born on June 15, 1971, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1989 and earned his bachelor’s degree in history and education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1993. He returned to his alma mater as a teacher in 1996 and never left.
He taught various courses in social studies, including world history, U.S. history, government, economics, and psychology. He also coached the school’s Academic Decathlon team and advised the National Honor Society. He was respected by his colleagues and loved by his students, who appreciated his enthusiasm, humor, and patience.
“He was a phenomenal teacher who made learning fun and engaging,” said Sarah Johnson, a senior who had Mr. Ricke as her world history teacher last year. “He always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. He cared about us as individuals and helped us grow as learners and citizens.”
Mr. Ricke was also a mentor to many young teachers who joined the school over the years. He shared his experience and wisdom with them and supported them in their professional development.
“He was a role model for me and many others,” said David Lee, a social studies teacher who started working at Lincoln High School in 2018. “He showed me how to be an effective and compassionate educator. He was always there to offer advice, feedback, or encouragement.”
| Name | John Ricke |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 15, 1971 |
| Date of Death | September 25, 2023 |
| Age | 52 |
| Occupation | Social Studies Teacher at Manitowoc Lincoln High School |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree in History and Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison |
| Family | Wife: Jennifer Ricke; Sons: Matthew Ricke and Michael Ricke; Parents: Robert and Mary Ricke; Siblings: James Ricke and Julie Ricke |
A Devoted Family Man and a Friend
Mr. Ricke is survived by his wife of 25 years, Jennifer Ricke, a nurse at Holy Family Memorial Hospital; his two sons, Matthew Ricke, 22, a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; and Michael Ricke, 19, a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; his parents, Robert and Mary Ricke; his brother, James Ricke; and his sister, Julie Ricke.
He was also a loyal friend to many people who knew him since his childhood or met him through his work or hobbies. He enjoyed reading, traveling, golfing, fishing, and watching sports, especially the Green Bay Packers.
“He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” said Jennifer Ricke. “He was always there for us and made us laugh. He was our rock and our joy.”
A Celebration of His Life
A memorial service for Mr. Ricke will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Manitowoc. The family will receive relatives and friends from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the John Ricke Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will be established to support students pursuing higher education in social studies or related fields.
The family also invites anyone who has memories or stories of Mr. Ricke to share them on an online tribute wall that can be accessed through various official pages.
Quick Trivia
- Ricke was a social studies teacher at Manitowoc Lincoln High School who died on September 25, 2023.
- He taught various courses in social studies for 27 years and coached the Academic Decathlon team and advised the National Honor Society.
- He was known for his passion for teaching and his kindness to students.
- John was also a mentor to many young teachers who joined the school over the years.
- He is survived by his wife, two sons, parents, brother, and sister.
- A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2023, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Manitowoc.
- Donations can be made to the John Ricke Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will support students pursuing higher education in social studies or related fields.
- Memories or stories of Mr. Ricke can be shared on an online tribute wall.
Q/A
Q: How did John Ricke die?
A: The cause of death was not disclosed by his family, but they said he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones.
Q: When and where was John Ricke born?
A: He was born on June 15, 1971, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Q: What did John Ricke teach at Manitowoc Lincoln High School?
A: He taught various courses in social studies, including world history, U.S. history, government, economics, and psychology.
Q: How long did John Ricke teach at Manitowoc Lincoln High School?
A: He taught for 27 years, starting in 1996.
Q: What were some of John Ricke’s hobbies and interests?
A: He enjoyed reading, traveling, golfing, fishing, and watching sports, especially the Green Bay Packers.
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