Edwin Donald Ricker

Ed was born October 28, 1929, the day before the great stock market crash. He was reared with his grandparents and aunts Mamie and Helen in Marion and Attica, OH. After grade school, he lived with his mother, Mary Evelyn and stepfather Mac for two years in Chambersburg, PA. Mac remained one of his life long mentors. He then returned to again be with his grandparents until his marriage. During his high school years, he was active in sports, an assistant scout master, and a member of the National Honor Society. During his summers during WWII, he worked on various farms as a hired hand which earned him the right to obtain his driver's license at age 14. After high school, he attended the Chambersburg School of Business, completing a two-year course in one year. He then enrolled at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and graduated with his B.A. in 1952, then earned his M.A. in Education at the University of Cincinnati. While at Miami, he received an athletic administrative scholarship and then became assistant athletic director. He was voted by the faculty as the most outstanding senior in Physical Education. While at Miami, he was a certified driver education and swimming instructor. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Epsilon Kappa, and Delta Tau Delta fraternities. During his summers while in college, he was employed as a city tree trimmer, worked on the railroad rail laying gaudy dancer gang, and as a signal line installer. Rather than being drafted into the Armed Forces, he enlisted in the Marine Corps - - serving during the Korean war conflict. He was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant after serving in infantry operations at Camp LeJeune, N.C. He met Elaine Witschger of Cincinnati, OH, at Miami and they were married upon her graduation in 1954 - - becoming a “Miami Merger” during his service in the Marines. During Ed's lifetime after graduating from Miami, he enthusiastically supported Miami University in many endeavors. He and Elaine served on many committees and were members of the Presidents Club, and a scholarship was formed and named after him. He also received the John B. Dolibois Award, presented to alumni who serve Miami in distinctive fashion over many years. After his release from the service, he was employed at the Kroger Company in Cincinnati, OH as an employee services supervisor. From there he became employee relations supervisor for MacGregor Sports, Covington, GA; then Personnel Director for Meijer Inc., Grand Rapids, MI; then Personnel Director of Marsh Supermarkets, Muncie, IN; and then Personnel Director of Hamady Bros. Supermarkets, Flint, MI. In 1973, he formed his own employee and labor relations consulting firm for small retail companies throughout the U.S. and retired in 1997. He wintered in Estero, FL with his wife. During this time, he and Elaine purchased and operated Glen Lodge on Big Glen Lake in Glen Arbor, MI, which he immensely enjoyed overseeing until his death. He was a member of the Elks, American Legion, Lions, and Rotary International. He was active in the Lutheran Church and Young Life. He was very active all his life - - traveling, camping, playing tennis and golf, and alpine skiing. His greatest pastime was fishing and he traveled to Canada annually for 35 years, as well to Brazil, Mexico, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, and Panama. He was responsible for helping young people develop their careers and sponsored Romanian young men to come to the U.S. and obtain legal status. He enjoyed playing a number of card games with family and friends. He was a high achiever all throughout his life and had a unique sense of humor as wanting to be different from the norm. When asked how he was doing at restaurants or by friends, his regular response would be “horrible” or “terrible” – which earned him the affectionate nickname of “Mr. Horrible” around town, though everyone knew he was really a big softie! He enjoyed being active in the Glen Arbor community and was very involved with the Glen Lake Association, and also enjoyed driving the Grand Marshall in the annual July 4th parade for many years. He was preceded in death by his wife Elaine. He is survived by their three children, Kim (Jim) Cramer of Charlotte, MI; Shawn (Steven) Ricker of Empire; and Darci Ricker of Glen Arbor; four grandchildren, Stephani, Gretchen, James (Jessica), and Kacie (Bradley); 11 great grandchildren; and his longtime “activities partner” and companion, Pat Smith. The funeral service will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 12 noon at Glen Lake Community Reformed Church with visitation beginning one hour prior. Graveside services will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Empire where he will receive full military honors. There will be a reception immediately following at the Glen Arbor Township Hall. All are welcome and, at his request, encouraged to join the family for a game of cards or dominoes. Memorials may be sent to your favorite hospice or veterans’ charitable organization.

Edwin Donald Ricker

October 28, 1929 - November 25, 2024