CHASE — Franklin F. Ricker, 90, passed away at Sterling Presbyterian Manor March 6, 2017.
The son of John and Anna (Miller) Ricker was born March 8, 1926 in rural Prescott. He married Lillian Koch in Bushton on June 8, 1947. She preceded him in death on Feb. 10, 2013.
Mr. Ricker was a lifetime Chase resident, where he worked for over 40 years at the Chase Co-op. Franklin began as a part-time employee sweeping bins and doing whatever was needed and eventually worked his way to manager of the filling station. He also drove the fuel tank trunk and was honored by the company upon surpassing 1 billion gallons sold.
In 1981, he became branch manager at the Chase Elevator where he worked until his retirement in 1989. Mr. Ricker also drove the school bus for the Chase Public School area where he met his close friend, Bob Spani.
He loved to travel the world and enjoyed numerous trips to Russia among other places with his family. He truly loved his work and felt blessed by each day.
Mr. Ricker was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellinwood and previously a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Lyons, where he served as church secretary and trustee. He served multiple terms on the Chase city council and as the mayor.
Survivors include his daughter, Annette Cain and husband, Franklin, Sterling; his sister, Mary Ann Schrag, Hutchinson; four grandchildren, Kellie Swain, Stuart Smith, Robert Klein, and Spencer Smith; and one great-grandchild, Hannah Swain.
He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Lillian Ricker, daughter, Charlotte Gates, three brothers, Alvin Ricker, Leonard Ricker, and Harold Ricker; and two sisters, Mildred Domey and Betty Nestler.
Funeral services are scheduled at 10:30 a.m. March 11 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ellinwood with Rev. Tom Thierfelder officiating. Burial will follow at Lakin-Comanche District Cemetery, Ellinwood.
Visitation is scheduled from 1-7 p.m. Friday with family receiving friends from 5-7 p.m. at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Church, or Grace Lutheran Church, in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS, 67526.
Condolences may be posted at www.minnischapel.org.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel **
113 N. Main Street
Ellinwood, KS, 67526
Great Bend Tribune, March 8, 2017