John W. Ricker

CLOVERDALE – John W. Ricker, 71, of Cloverdale, passed away at 4:46 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the Meadows of Kalida. He was born July 6, 1955, in Lima to the late Alfred “Pete” and Elizabeth (Epping) Ricker. On November 11, 1978, he married Karen (Burgei) Ricker, who survives in Cloverdale.

John is also survived by two children: Paul (Jill) Ricker of Kalida and Kimberly (Larry) Schimmoeller of Bluffton; four grandchildren: Riley Ricker, Parker Ricker, Zoey Schimmoeller, and Shae Schimmoeller; a brother: Louie (Ruth) Ricker of Ottoville, a brother-in-law Tony (Marty) Burgei of Cloverdale, three sisters-in-law: Connie Ricker of Ottoville, Patricia Ricker of Colorado, and Sheryl Burgei of Fort Jennings.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by three brothers, David Ricker, Victor Ricker, and Donnie Ricker; and a brother-in-law Don Burgei.

John worked for General Dynamics for 36 years. He was a Detroit Lions fan, enjoyed watching NASCAR and John loved watching the grandkids play sports.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at St. Barbara Catholic Church, Cloverdale, with Very Reverend George Mahas and Deacon Lawrence Schimmoeller officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township and again on Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to Putnam County Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com