James R. Rickert

James R. Rickert, 69, of Birnamwood, died on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Jim was born on March 8, 1956, in Antigo, the son of Louis and Leah (Dabil) Rickert. On May 15,1976, Jim was united in marriage to Cheryl Noskowiak. Jim attended Bowler Grade and High School. For the majority of his life, Jim worked in the wood industry, with his favorite job being for Sanford (Butch) Hoffman at Hoffman Wood Fiber in Tilleda. He retired in 2003 due to health conditions. Jim enjoyed spending time with family, grandchildren and friends. Evenings spent socializing around their campsite with their “camping family” was always relaxing. He enjoyed lawn care and gardening and crafts. He was well known for the wooden toys he made and gave away to children (big and small). Jim served as an elder for St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mattoon, a Hutchins-Woodlawn Cemetery board member and a supervisor for the Town of Almon. Jim is survived by his wife, Cheryl; three children, Jeremy Rickert of Birnamwood, Amanda (Todd) Hanke of De Pere and Keri (Luke) Cherek of Wittenberg; six grandchildren, Kendra Lake of Appleton, Brady and Cooper Rickert of Birnamwood, Emma Hanke of De Pere, Hannah and Jonathan Cherek of Wittenberg; one great-granddaughter, Harmony Lake of Appleton. Jim is also survived by one brother, John (Cheryl) Rickert of Bowler; sisters, Deb Rickert of New London and Kathy (Mike) Darling of Bowler; aunts, Lois Schultz of Antigo and Arline Dabil of Neenah; and many other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Leah Rickert; mother- and father-in-law, Louis and Mabel Noskowiak; sister-in-law, MaryJane Byholm; brother-in-law, Jim Noskowiak; and many other aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Shepherd’s Watch Christian Academy, Mattoon. A visitation will be held on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the school. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Mattoon. Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com. A sincere thank you to the Tuesday Men’s group, Dr. Christopher Peterson and staff at the Volm Cancer Center and LeRoyer Hospice. Also a special thank you to our family and friends for all your help and support during this difficult time. Your compassion and care will never be forgotten.