Thomas Herman Rickerl Jr.., 74, of Boise, passed away on October 19, 2020 with his family by his side. Thomas was born July 28, 1946 in Brookings, South Dakota to the parents of Evelyn Mary (Mcmillan) and Thomas Herman Rickerl Sr.
Tom grew up in South Dakota and after graduating from Elkton High School in 1964 he joined the United States Air Force. While stationed in Las Vegas, Nevada Tom met his wife Catherine. The two married August 10, 1968 and recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary.
After Tom and Cathy married the two moved back to South Dakota where Tom attended General Beadle State College, graduating in 1972. Tom spent 4 years active duty in the United States Airforce, 1964-1968, then worked for OE Bell Junior High School, 1973-1974 while being enlisted with the Air National Guard from 1969-1998. During his time in the Idaho Air National Guard Tom was promoted many times and upon retirement was a Senior Master Sargent, managing the munitions shop. One of Tom’s proudest accomplishments in life was being in the military and honoring his country.
Tom enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, camping, hiking, hunting and spending time with his family. He also truly enjoyed being the biggest fan and support for his wife Cathy while she competed in running races. Tom volunteered for various events for Shu’s Idaho Running Company and could always be seen cheering on the runners.
Tom never met a stranger, he was a friend to all. Anyone that knew Tom, knew he was quite the storyteller and often he would “talk your ear off” upon seeing him in passing. Tom was generous and gave of his time freely to anyone in need no matter the request, he also knew his way around engines, big or small, he could fix anything that needed fixing or build anything. In doing so, Tom was also a perfectionist. It was known if he was helping with a project, you better believe it would be up to his perfect standards or he would not be satisfied. He is already so greatly missed by his wife, Cathy, his children, his grandchildren and many friends.
He is survived by his wife Cathy; sister Judy Hemmen, 3 children, daughter, Heidi Brace (Justin), son, Ryan Rickerl (Michelle), and daughter, Cara Newberry (Jim), and 7 grandchildren, Kylie, Heather, Hannah, Sam, Maddie, Isaak and Nate.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents Thomas Rickerl Sr. and Evelyn; mother and father in-law, Betty and Al Simar; and his beloved black Labradors, Magic and Ruby.
A committal service will be held 1:00 pm, Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise.
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Bob Austin IDANG RET says
October 23, 2020 at 12:59 pmRest In Peace Tom, God Speed on your final journey.
Cliff R Kurtz says
October 25, 2020 at 11:32 amSorry to hear this sad news. I went into the service with Tom; it was called the buddy system. After arriving in Lackland we never saw each other until we got out of the Air Force.
sincerely
Cliff and Jeri Kurtz
Dale Schmidt says
October 26, 2020 at 4:56 pmI remember Tom very well as he was a neighbor by us on the farm. You couldn’t ask for a better person. My condolences to the family and you have my deepest sympathy. Dale Schmidt
Darlene Dokken says
October 25, 2020 at 11:39 amPrayers to the family. He is at peace with the Lord.
Shane McKeown says
October 25, 2020 at 11:43 amTo the family of Tom, please know thoughts are with you from many places. My brother Steve and Cousin Tom were the same age and good friends. We grew up two miles from the Rickerl’s and our folks often helped one another on their farms. Tom’s parents were wonderful people and Tom was always kind to this younger cousin. God Bless. Shane McKeown.
Bill & Linda Slupe says
October 25, 2020 at 8:07 pmSo sorry to here of Tom’s passing. Linda and I will miss him and have prayers for Cathy and the family. Tom and I had a lot of life parallels. We both were products of the Dakotas. We both came to the Guard from active duty and spent about the same years in the Air Guard, achieving the same rank and retiring on the same day. After retiring we both found work at the same machine shop in Meridian. For a few years, before the Covid epidemic struck we would meet at Eddies Restaurant on Overland for coffee and share breakfast and talk about the family, politics, the trouble Tundra and the much better Nisson, the Guard and whatever struck a cord. His race has been run and he’s with the Lord.
Bruce and Karyl Edgerton says
October 27, 2020 at 6:27 amWe are so sorry to hear of your loss. We always enjoyed visiting with Tom and so enjoyed your whole family over many, many years. He was very proud of all of you!