Victor Rick

Victor Rick, 91, Barron, Wis., passed away Friday, June 14, 2024, at Dove Healthcare in Rice Lake, Wis., due to multiple health issues.



He was born at Williamson, Iowa on April 25, 1933, to Remy and Alice Rick, and grew up in Ottawa/Naplate, Ill. He married Josephine Mosier, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on Oct. 27, 1951 in Seneca, Ill.



He was a proud veteran of the U. S. Navy. After completing his military service, Victor moved his family to Ottawa, Ill., where he was employed at Libby Owens Ford Glass Company. A few years later, they moved to Macomb, where he earned his bachelor of education degree in just 2 ½ years, at Western Illinois University. He later graduated from Northern Illinois University with a master of education degree. During his long career in education, he taught in various disciplines at every grade level, from kindergarten through 12th grade. He also served as an athletic director and successfully coached basketball, football, track, and wrestling, while teaching at schools in Bureau Township, Leland, Sycamore, and Dixon, Ill. He was a devoted and innovative educator.



He was born into a family of French immigrant coal miners. He had known poverty and was sensitive to the plight of others. He strongly believed that we should love all people, regardless of differences in religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc..



Victor and Josephine were faithful Christians. They modeled resiliency, love of family and community, and a strong work ethic. Both teachers, they loved the outdoors and spent summers running their fishing resort on Sand Lake, near Hayward, Wis. After retirement, they enjoyed many summers at their cabin on Lost Land Lake. Victor missed Josephine terribly since her death in 2013 and longed for the day when he would be reunited in Heaven with his favorite fishing partner.



Surviving are children Eugene (Mardel) of Barron, Wis., Vicky (Rob) Orr of Ottawa, Ill., Roger (Julie) and Thomas (SueAnn), both of Rice Lake, Wis., and Daniel (Pamela) of Dixon, Ill.; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren.



Victor was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, an infant son Gary, and siblings Raymond, Arthur, William, Frank, Eve, and Elizabeth.



Inurnment at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, rural Spooner, and a private family memorial service will be held at a future date.