Mary J. Rickel

Mary “Mary Jo” Joanne Rickel (Snow), 81, of Westfield, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with lung cancer on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on Aug. 17, 1938, to Elmer and Dorothy (Bean) Snow in Mountain. Mary Jo graduated from Oconto Falls High School. She moved to Milwaukee and worked at WTMJ, until she met and married George “Rick” Joseph Rickel on July 16, 1959. Together they traveled to numerous Air Force bases throughout the U.S. while raising three children. Mary Jo did volunteer work on the Air Force bases with Family Services, and after Rick retired, they settled in the Westfield area. She worked as a waitress at the Pioneer Restaurant in Westfield for 16 years before she retired.

Her greatest treasures were her children and grandchildren. She always had a kind word and had a very generous heart. Mary Jo will be missed greatly by many.

Mary Jo is survived by her three children, Dorothy (Tom) Becker, Westfield, Tracy (Todd) Morrical, Ironwood, Michigan, and Timothy (Kelly) Rickel, Sun Prairie; four wonderful grandchildren, Erik (fiancée Christine Edwards) Becker, Florida, Lindsay (Ryan) Becker, Missouri, Mary Morrical, Montello, and Mathew Rickel, Packwaukee; and two precious great-granddaughters, Madelyn and Haylie Becker, Missouri.

She is further survived by her two brothers, Mark and John (Sylva) Snow; one sister, Rebecca Pike; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Rick; parents, Elmer and Dorothy Snow, three brothers, George (Sondra), David and James Snow; one sister, Sandy (Dale) Weir; nephew, Basil Snow; brother in law, Lonnie Pike and other relatives.

A celebration of life remembering Mary Jo will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Westfield Village Hall Community Center, 129 E. Third St., Westfield.

“Leave them laughing.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Budda Box Fight Against Cancer of Marquette County, P.O. Box 91, Westfield, WI 53964 or Primates Inc., W8782 County Road M, Westfield, WI 53964.

Steinhaus-Holly Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Westfield is serving the family. For online obituaries and condolences visit www.steinhaushollyfuneralhome.com

Mary Jo’s family would like to thank Heartland Home Health for their kind and compassionate caring of our mom through her last months. They were truly a blessing to our family.

Category: