Hildegard G. Ricker

Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life well-lived of Hildegard G. Ricker, 103, Albany, was held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 24, 2016 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Albany. Fr. Cletus Connors, OSB officiated and burial followed in the parish cemetery. Hildegard entered into eternal life on Oct. 19th with her children at her side at Mother of Mercy Nursing Home.
Hildegard was born on the family farm on June 4, 1913 to Anton and Mary (Ohmann) Jonas in St. Martin Township. She was one of 16 children and often would help in the home, cleaning, cooking, baking, and other chores. On Nov. 15, 1938, she married Claude H. Ricker at Seven Dolors, with whom she had four children. Hildegard was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking for her family, especially at the holidays. She liked gardening and bird watching, loved tending to her flowers, and had a special fondness for her gladiolas and calla lilies. Hildegard was a simple woman with a sweet and loving nature. She had a quiet way about her and always took her time and took great care in everything she did. After her children were grown, Hildegard worked for a number of years for Stearns Manufacturing. And, in her later years, she spent about 6 years working in foodservice at the University of St. John’s and the Seminary. Hildegard was also a woman of deep faith who was active in her church, Seven Dolors in Albany, as well as the Christian Mothers and the Legion Auxiliary.
Hildegard is survived by her children Doris Elfering, Avon; Ronald (Joanne) Ricker, Albany; Lloyd (Sheila) Ricker, Dawson; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
She is greeted in Heaven by her parents Anton and Mary Jonas, her daughter and son-in-law Arlene (Leo) Jungmann, her sisters Bridget, Mary, Gertrude, and Sr. Mary Celine Jonas, Agnes Rausch, Alvina Rausch, Ann Schwagel, Mary Ann Rausch, and Madelyn Buettner, and her brothers Frank, Peter, Nickolas, Albert, Mathias, and John Jonas.