Darle Ray Rickert, 87, passed away at home on September 24, 2017 after a battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan; and their children, Debra (Dennis) Anchors, Diane (Jurgen) Jager, Jeff (Julie) Rickert, Jay (Kris) Rickert, Doreen (Matt) Rademacher, Darcie (Ross) Myers. Darle will be missed by several loving grandchildren, Deanna Anchors, Dara Sundberg, Doug Anchors, Danielle Barense, Nicky Fay, Shari Jager, Emily Myers, Andrea Johnston, Ashley Antonides, Jacob Rickert, Steven and Jack Rickert, Jessica and Aubrey Rademacher, Brenna, Bethany and Brian Myers; several great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and extended family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Born and raised in Lowell, Darle graduated from Lowell High School in 1948. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, returning to work alongside his father, Paul, at Rickert Electric which was established in 1944. Darle eventually took over and ran the business for 24 years, retiring in 1992 when his son, Jay, took the helm. He loved being outside fishing, hunting and spending time with family at his cabin up north near the Big Manistee River. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eva and Paul; sisters Morna (Robert) Ford and Vivian Callahan. Friends can visit with the family on Tuesday, September 26, from 6-8:00 p.m. at Roth-Gerst Chapel, 305 N. Hudson, Lowell. Private services will be held by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Flat River VFW Post 8303, 3124 Alden Nash Ave SE, Lowell, MI 49331; or the Alto American Legion Post 528, 6052 Linfield Ave SE, Alto, MI 49302.
