Gary A. Ricke, 78, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away Thursday morning, February 14, 2019, at home, after spending the evening surrounded by family and singing his favorite Country and Western songs (as he called them).  Dad believed in life, as in death, like Frank Sinatra said, "I did it my way".

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 A/M, on Monday, February 18, 2019, at St. Mary's Church, in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dean Smith officiating.  Military honors will be accorded at the church by members of the Dubuque Marine Corps. League.  Burial will follow at the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 1 P/M to 5 P/M, on Sunday, February 17, 2019, at the Miller Funeral Home, in East Dubuque, where the parish rosary will be recited at 12:30 P/M.  An additional visitation will be held from 8:45 A/M to 9:30 A/M, on Monday, at the funeral home.

Gary was born on April 23, 1940, at home in East Dubuque, the son of Alfred and Rosella (Hoftender) Ricke.  He graduated from the East Dubuque High School in 1958, and attended Loras College.  He served briefly in the Armed Forces.

Gary loved a cold beer, time spent with his family, a well-worn flannel shirt, Johnny Cash and Roger Miller music, fish frys, pontoon boat rides, and tinkering around the house.  Nothing was broken until he said so! He loved watching all the local sports, especially the Warriors, cheering on his favorite players - his grandkids.  Gary was employed at the John Deere Dubuque Works, retiring in 1992.  He was a former member of the East Dubuque Drum & Bugle Corps.

Surviving in life by his wife, Mary; their six (6) children, Julie (Scott) Heinricy, Steve (Melanie) Ricke, Stacey (Brian) Duster, Jason (Natasha) Ricke, Sara (Steve) Feyen, and Jamie (Toby) Culbertson; twenty (20) grandchildren, Ashley (Michael) Frank, Tanner Heinricy, Emily, Kasey, Jacob & Carson Ricke, Keagan, Payton, Jaylen & Rylin Duster, Cameron, Carter & Katie Ricke, Madison, Cassidy & Dawson Feyen, and Skylar, Trey, Brody & Brynn Culbertson; two (2) great-grandchildren, Avery and Alyssa Frank; his sister, Gladys Cogan; and his best buddy, Roger Shaw.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred & Rosella; and a brother, Roger Ricke.

The family would like to send a very sincere "thank you" to Dr. Mark Hermann and Kristen, Peggy with Hospice of Dubuque for the continued support, compassion, advice and care they all gave to Dad and our family.  We would also like to "thank" the East Dubuque Fire Department and EMT's, especially Mollie Jo Varnadore, for their quick response and assistance.

In lieu of flowers, a Gary A. Ricke Memorial Fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com