Obituary of Bobby Rickman

Bobby Russell Rickman was born June 8, 1932 to Blanche (Baird) and Ray Rickman in Spirit Lake, Iowa. He was raised and educated in Arnolds Park, graduating from Arnolds Park High School in 1951. Bobby was united in marriage to Jody Christenson in August of 1951. Bobby enlisted in the US Army, where he served in the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the 7th Infantry Division, where he received a Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart (wounded in March 1952), Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. Bobby received a Honorable Discharge in March of 1961, having reached the rank of sergeant. Bobby worked for Waugh Oil Company of Spirit Lake, driving a tank truck for more than 20 years. Following that, he worked for Terril Plastic, and in semi-retirement, he worked for Walmart. He totally retired on September 7, 2009. Bob was an active member of the American Legion of Arnolds Park and also the Arnolds Park Fire Department. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling and golfing. Following retirement, he became a caretaker for Jody. Bob and Jody were honored as outstanding Alumni from the Arnolds Park Alumni Association in 2011. Bobby passed away at Lakes Regional Health Care in Spirit Lake on Sunday, January 26, 2014 at the age of eighty-one. Surviving Bobby are his wife, Jody; children, Beth (Dave) Smith of Milford, Nancy Rickman of Arnolds Park, Sue (Rick) Cansler of Liberty, Missouri, Tim (Jaymee) Rickman of Milford and Kris (Bob) Heitner of Arnolds Park; twelve grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Querida Decker and Peggie Miller; brother, Ray (Madeline) Rickman and many relatives and friends. He will be missed by everyone who loved him. Preceding him death were his parents; brother, Jack Rickman; sister, Luana Jaycox; son, Bobby "Butch" Rickman, Jr.; two half-sisters, Mona and Joan and two brothers-in-law, Bob Miller and Ben Decker.