Arthur C. Rickel

STEVENSVILLE – Arthur C. Rickel, 77, of Stevensville, passed away January 12, 2007, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, January 15, 2007, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, with Fr. Paul Yeruva officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 14, from 2-5 PM at the funeral home. A private burial will take place in Crystal Springs Cemetery, Benton Harbor. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association. Those wishing to share a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arthur was born in St. Joseph, Michigan on November 14, 1929 to Clifford & Elsie (Reimer) Rickel. On October 3, 1953, he married his sweetheart, the former Jeanne (Sempert) who survives him. He worked for the former Theisen-Clemens for 24 years and then spent 20 years with Occidental before retiring. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved to spend time working on cars and with wood. He also thoroughly enjoyed watching football, boxing, and Nascar. He deeply loved his family and his dogs, Koko, Fritzie, Mitzie, and his “grandpuppy” Casey. He had many friends and was willing to help anyone. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Rickel of Stevensville; two sons, Michael (Barbara) of Berrien Springs and Bruce (Norma) of Christiansburg, VA; a daughter, Carolee (Joseph) Garetto of Asheville, NC; a brother, William (Delores) Rickel of St. Joseph; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.