Dale E. Ricker

FORT JENNINGS – Dale E. Ricker, 72, of Fort Jennings, passed away at 5:56 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay.  He was born February 1, 1952, in Lima to Richard  "Dick" and Norene (Rahrig) Ricker. His father preceded him in death and his mother survives in Fort Jennings. On June 16, 1973, he married Marilyn A. Vorst, who also preceded him in death on January 1, 2023.

Other survivors include three children: Joel (Lindsay) Ricker of Findlay, Joy (Brent) Saneholtz of Montpelier, and Jesse (Ashley) Ricker of Marysville; eleven grandchildren: Logan, Alivia, Evelyn, and Celia Ricker, Greyson, Rowen, Keaton, and Sutton Saneholtz, Liam, Colin, and Ellie Ricker; seven siblings: John "Jack" (Tonda) Ricker of Fort Jennings, Carol (Neal) Barnard, Donald (Maria) Ricker, both of Elida, Susan (John) Gerdeman of Kalida, Lisa (Larry) Beining of Ottoville, Kevin (Brenda) Ricker of Fort Jennings, and Brian (Julie) Ricker of Findlay.

For twenty years Dale owned and operated a swine farm in Fort Jennings. He was very active in the Ohio and National Pork Council as well as judging fairs in Ohio and throughout the United States. He then worked for Michigan State University Swine Extension Program and later retired from the OSU Extension Office, Ottawa after 25 years. Dale was inducted into The Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame in the summer of 2022. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Jennings. He enjoyed gardening and was known for his pork loin. Dale loved vacationing in Florida with Marilyn, spending time with family, and cheering on the Buckeyes. Dale especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending all of their activities.

Funeral Mass will begin 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Jennings with Father Charles Obinwa officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township and Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ft. Jennings or Putnam County 4-H.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com

St. Joseph Catholic Church
135 N. Water Street, Fort Jennings OH 45844

Putnam County 4-H