LaVern J. ‘Cricket’ Reicks
1927 – 2011
LaVern J. ‘Cricket’ Reicks, the son of Margaret (Kallhoff) and Carl Reicks, was born February 21, 1927 in Boone County, Nebraska. He departed this life on Friday, December 30, 2011 at his home in Red Cloud at the age of 84 years, 10 months and 9 days.
Cricket was united in marriage with Rita Marie Ketteler on January 16, 1951 at Petersburg, Nebraska. This union was blessed with eight children. A veteran of the Armed Forces, Cricket served his country with the United States Army. Following his discharge from service, he began his life’s work as a mechanic, operating Reicks Repair. In 1968, they left Petersburg and moved to Red Cloud where he continued his work until his retirement.
When all of his children were younger, Cricket always had a boat and would take them to the lake for a weekend of camping and fishing. His love for family went beyond measure. In his leisure time he restored old tractors and enjoyed hunting, fishing with his buddies and the boys. He will be fondly remembered for his saying about old tractors, “If it’s not under six foot of water, I can get it running.”
Preceding him in death were his parents; a son, Michael Carl in March of 1957, and a sister, Mona Veik.
Left to treasure his memory are his wife, Rita; his children: David L. Reicks and wife Dana of Red Cloud, Nebraska; James T. Reicks and wife Shirley of Columbus, Nebraska; LuAnn Reicks of Red Cloud; Pamela J. Reicks of Salt Lake City, Utah; Jeffrey J. Reicks of Loveland, Colorado; Beverly M. Neth of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Scott A. Reicks of Lincoln, Nebraska. Also surviving are eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren; a sister, Joyce Hayden of Norfolk, Nebraska; other relatives and friends.
The Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., January 3, 2012 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Red Cloud, IA. with Rev. Paul Frank officiating.
Additional services were held Wednesday, 2:30 p.m., January 4, 2012, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Raeville with Rev. Ross Burkhalter officiating. Interment with military graveside honors took place at the St. Bonaventure Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.huffmanlevander.com.
