Robert D. Rickertsen age 59 of Fulton, IL, passed away Monday Nov. 8, 2021 at Amita Resurrection Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday Nov. 13th at the Pape Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Saturday 10:00 AM until the service hour at the Pape Funeral Home. Burial will be at Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Darwin Olson, Jordan, Matt, Wyatt Rickertsen, Alexander Kurokawa, and Rafael Montoya. Honorary pallbearers will be Garth Rickertsen, Nathan Veith, and Matt Frakes. Online condolence may be left at www.papefh.com.
Robert was born on Jan. 27, 1962 in Clinton, IA, the son of Delbert and Erna (Ibs) Rickertsen. He graduated from Miles High School. He served in the US Army. He married Cindy Sear on July 25, 1981 in Clinton, IA. Robert was an Engineer for C.P. Railroad for 35 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and woodworking.
Robert is survived by his wife, Cindy Rickertsen of Fulton, IL; 10 children, Matt (Lori) Rickertsen of Grovetown, GA, Chris Rickertsen of Clinton, IA, LeeAnn (Rafael) Montoya of Crosby, TX, Jordan Rickertsen of Frankfort, KY, Brook (Reed) Hall of New Hampton, IA, Katie (Alexander) Kurokowa of Clinton, IA, Garth (Salina) Rickertsen of Fulton, IL, Cheyenne Rickertsen of Fulton, IL,Morgan Rickertsen of Fulton, IL, and Wyatt Rickertsen of Fulton, IL; 14 grandchildren; his mother, Erna Rickertsen of Clinton, IA, his brother, Brent (Kathy) Rickertsen of Cedar Rapids, IA; his sister, Deb Rickertsen of Clinton, IA; and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and two grandchildren, Cora and Aceyn.
To an amazing friend and man you will be missed very much. Bob and my husband Terry Gross or known as Hillbilly worked together from 1996-2003 on the railroad together but we remained friends with him and his Family. He would tell me some stories working with Terry and I would laugh so hard. There family was the first railroad family we meet and I am very honored that they allowed us to be part of there life. When I heard the news our hearts broke I told Terry and he was in shock. We will never forget you and we will be here for Cindy and the kids.
Prayers being said for all the family. Until we meet again RIP our friend We love you all
To my former co worker Bob Rickertsen who I learned today passed away earlier this week. I worked with him on the CP Rail System and the IMRL with him as my engineer on the West Davenport job, Nahant switch engine, Clinton local, UP run throughs to 59th street CSX, Nahant jobs to Dubuque. When I was your conductor or if I was a switch foreman on a yard job it was always a great day. The stories you would tell about all the crazy things you experienced. Made those long days go by quickly!
I enjoyed those days and remember as if they were yesterday. To know that your kids went to the same school as mine and we ended up connecting up time to time seeing how each other was doing.
Please know that your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I worked with Bob since 1997. Bob could put you in a good mood with a few words, and funny facial expressions. I have a lot of Great memories from the times we worked together. Prayers for Bob and his family.
I knew Bob as a fellow railroader. He was quite a guy. A lot of fun to work with and he had a good heart. He will be missed by all who knew him. Gone to soon! RIP, Bob.
We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Our love and condolences to his family and all who loved him.