Jean Marie Rickelman, 89, lifelong resident of Lee County, passed away Thursday, December 17th from complications of Covid 19. Jean was born on January 5th, 1931 in Ft Madison, IA to Aaron and Marie Buechel Mansheim. On September 5th, 1950 she married Norbert G. Rickelman in Ft Madison and he passed away March 31, 2019.
Jean was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Daughters of Issabella, and Alter and Rosary Society serving as an officer in these organizations. Jean was instrumental in developing the practice of offering funeral dinners for Sacred Heart Church members. She was very involved with many functions at Sacred Heart Church and Hall, the grade school, and Aquinas High School, especially while her children attended. Jean worked at Shaeffer Penn Co. and the Ft Madison Care Center. As a partner in Rickelman Farms, she was most proud to be both a farmer's daughter and a farmer's wife. Jean loved family gatherings, hosting many holiday events each year. Many memories were made traveling to several states with her husband to visit family and friends. She especially treasured seeing her children have families of their own.
Surviving to cherish her memory are one daughter Karen (Jim) Koenighain of Cedar Rapids; four sons, Warren (Peggy) Rickelman, Dan (Lynda) Rickelman both of Ft Madison, Richard (Kay ) Rickelman, and Steve (Laura ) Rickelman both of Pulaski;12 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers; Bob (Diane) Mansheim, and Dr Gary (Ruth)Mansheim both of Burlington, and Dave (Faye) Mansheim of Parkersburg. Three sisters-in-law; Martha Kurka of Fairfield, Bernice Rickelman, and Barb Mansheim both of West Point, along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Jean was preceded in death by her loving husband of 69 years, Norbert, her parents, a daughter Mary in infancy, and a brother, Tom Mansheim.
The family would like to thank all the staff at The Kensington, The Madison, FMCH, and Great River Medical Center for their wonderful care.
Due to Covid 19 restrictions a private family visitation will be held at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory on Monday, December 21, 2020 followed by a private family graveside service. The family plans a Celebration of Life event and Memorial mass at a later date.
A memorial has been established for Denmark Fire and Rescue or Holy Family Parish and may be sent to Dan at 106 Cherokee Lane, Ft. Madison and online condolences may be left at www.kinhglynk.com
