Obituary of Merle Richard Rickert

Merle Rickert, 95, of Brevard County, passed on Saturday, August 10, 2019 to join his eternal family. Merle was born in Medina, Ohio. He married Vesta Pauline Heichelbech and they raised 10 children. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Stow. He conquered the restrictions of childhood polio which taught us confidence in handling adversity. He never complained. He would entertain us by walking on his hands across the living room floor and laugh as the kids raced to gather the coins that fell out of his pocket. Merle started his career with IBM in Akron as a field engineer in 1943. He transferred to Miami, FL in 1968. He volunteered at church and as a boy scout leader. After retiring in 1984 they relocated to Melbourne, FL area in 1986. Merle volunteered with the Melbourne Police Dept working mall security and with the AARP doing others’ taxes. He helped at the local parks with whatever was needed of him. He donated at Blood Drives on a regular basis. Stickers reflecting the gallons donated stuck to his bathroom mirror. He cared for his wife until she passed in 2008. Merle was the son of the late James & Elsie Rickert. He was the last surviving child of his family of 11, preceded in death by his siblings; Glen, Loa, Ivan, Wayne, Helen, Mabel, Minnie Eleanor, Fern, Virgil & Marion. He was preceded in death by his children, Dale Rickert, Barbara Shoenfelt and Mary Rickert; Granddaughter, Laura Kandiko and Great Granddaughter, Ava Rickert. Merle, a loving father, is survived by his children Jean (Dan) Kandiko, John (Sue) Rickert, Judy (Pat) Brennan, Paul (Marlene) Rickert, Dennis (Karen) Rickert, Kenny (Kerri) Rickert, Brian (Cathy) Rickert; 29 Grandchildren, 52 Great Grandchildren, Brother-in-law Leon (Nita) Heichelbech and Son-in-Law Ray (Cynthia) Shoenfelt. By example, He showed us to volunteer and make this world a better place, to leave any place you walked into a little nicer when you leave, to work hard and to open our arms and homes to family and friends who need help or just want to visit. There is always room for one more at the table. He was a quiet man, but got pleasure out of hearing stories and watching kids play and be happy. Through his journey he understood how important family is. He taught us how to forgive and embrace the good things that life has to offer. Visits from family and friends always made him smile. If he could teach anyone two things, it would be to take a little time out of your day, week or month to visit the sick, elderly or someone in need of a friend and to donate blood for those in need. A celebration of life will be held on February 8, 2020 in Melbourne, FL. In lieu of flowers, please donate blood or send a donation in his name to the Red Cross.