Kevin H. Ricker

It is with much sadness that I announce that my husband Kevin Ricker has died. What a huge void he will leave in all the lives of all those who knew and loved him. Kevin was born on February 23, 1937, in Delphos, Ohio to Hubert and Mary (Downes) Ricker. Kevin was always an optimistic, confident child growing up. His compassion and caregiving toward others began at an early age as he attended St. John’s parish and school. It began with his scouting, which he wholly embraced. As a kid himself, he was always helping the younger scouts achieve their goals while working toward his own. His Catholic education, beliefs, and compassion toward others led him to St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana after 8th grade, where he began his high school education. His father had to step in to accept his Eagle Scout Award at that time. After completing his studies at St. Meinrad Seminary, he travelled to New York at the age of 19 to embark on his second of many journeys through life. Having never traveled, and knowing no one, he boarded a boat to Rome to complete his education at the Pontifical American College. He spent six years there with seminarians from different countries, some as head sacristan for the college. While there, he wandered the back alleys and streets getting to know the people and families. He was always interested in the human spirit and lives of others. He also traveled around Europe, staying with families who would take in the Seminarians, again experiencing all the different cultures. On top of Italian, he learned French and Spanish from his fellow classmates and in exchange, taught them English. He also had classes in Latin. He loved the Italian culture and cherished his years there. He was ordained a Catholic priest in Rome in December 1962. He returned to the Toledo Diocese where he worked with the Mexican migrant workers at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Bono, a ministry he valued. His next assignments took him to parishes in Lima, then Tiffin, where he was an associate to the pastors and taught in the high schools. He worked well with the youth and while in Lima started a group out of Chicago called Young Catholic Students (YCS) which he also started in Tiffin when he was transferred there. He became Diocesan Chaplain of specialized movements as well as the National Chaplain of Young Catholic Students (YCS), Young Catholic Women (YCW), and Catholic Family Movement (CFM). He continued his love of scouting, serving as their National Chaplain at camps around the nation. While in Tiffin, he was introduced to a couple in Michigan who introduced him to the Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) retreats. Kevin decided the retreats needed to be brought to Ohio and thus started the movement in Carey. After Lima and Tiffin, he was transferred to Toledo Blessed Sacrament Parish. By this time in his ministry, some family tragedies that had required his services over the years had planted the seed of his desire to become a counselor. The bishop granted his request to continue his education, during which time he received his master’s in family therapy, became a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and a Certified Family Life Educator with the National Council on Family Relations. He began his work at Catholic Charities where he became the Family Life Director. He was also the first President of Rescue Crisis. A working friendship developed with Jake Elliott, and it was during this time that he eased out of the Priesthood and into full time counseling at Elliott and Associates, beginning yet another journey in life. He married and assisted in raising four stepchildren. He loved having his family and embraced his stepfather role. He continued his counseling and served on the boards of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT), Ohio Division of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (OAMFT), was newsletter editor, President, and received an award of honor in 1989. Following that, he became part of the National Association of the AAMFT and was representative to the Divisional Affairs Council. He received an award at the National Conference. For three years he gave presentations at the National Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics at Notre Dame under Father James Young. In 1992, Kevin married Kathleen (Coehrs) Ricker and became a stepfather to her two children. This led him on another journey, becoming active in the Stepfamily Association of America (SAA), first as a board member, then President in 1994. He presented four times at their National Conference. Locally, he oversaw a support group for stepfamilies and gave presentations. He also presented at the All-Ohio Counselors conference for three years on stepfamilies. He continued with his private practice as well, offering classes on divorce, giving presentations on marriage and divorce, as well as at marriage preparation classes for Catholics. Later he began teaching Introduction to Psychology to freshmen at Monroe Community College. He also taught at Spring Arbor College, preparing students at the master’s level for counseling. He enjoyed teaching very much. He continued his counseling career until the age of 78 when health issues forced him to retire. Kevin was a very knowledgeable and compassionate man when it came to his clients. Many spoke of how grateful they were for his warm and humane approach and spirit. Despite all of his obligations, Kevin managed to make his homes a happy place. He knew how to perfectly balance his home and work life. He gave his stepchildren so many opportunities in life and introduced them to nature and fun times. Kevin was full of life with a booming voice and boisterous laugh. He was always ready for the next adventure and had such a love and zest for life. His enthusiasm was infectious, and he would have maps spread all over the floor planning the next adventure. Hiking all the state and national parks, in the mountains, and Hocking Hills. Downhill skiing every year, driving the country with the car packed. We had so much fun together! Never a harsh word or complaint from him. He treated everyone with respect and always put everyone first. Such a kind and loving man. He was also very humble. “I’m just the kid from Delphos” was his response to any praise. He gifted me with a yard full of beautiful gardens, spending long hours nurturing his plants and keeping the house full of fresh flowers. He was a true romantic, showering me with small gifts and more love than I knew what to do with. His greatest joy through his life was doing for others. What an amazing, full life he lived! A true servant. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Reverend J. Michael Ricker. He is survived by his loving wife Kathleen, stepchildren: Mark (Lynne) Ludlum, children Gabriel and Jeremy; Susan Ludlum, children Christyn and Zachary; Michael (Holly) Ludlum, child Mallory; Stacey (Nick) Sneider, and Sean (Lisa Wolken) Kornos. I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude to Kevin’s primary care physician, Dr. Berry Conlan, for his exceptional care of Kevin over the years. A thank you to his caregivers at Kingston of Sylvania who treated him with such kindness. Also, a special thank you to all of Kevin’s caregivers at Hospice of Northwest Ohio for all their compassionate and dignified care. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, August 8, 2021, between 1:00 and 6:00 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, where a scripture service and sharing of memories will begin at 5:45 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 9, 2021, at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5373 Main St., Sylvania. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park.