Obituary of Eugene M. Ricketts

Eugene Martin "Gene" Ricketts, age 69, of Channahon since 1990, passed away Friday, May 4, 2018 at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Eugene was born March 31, 1949 in Chicago, to the late Francis and Elizabeth (nee Ward) Ricketts.  He was a graduate of Richards High School and attended Moraine Valley Community College for two years, and was a United States Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War.  He retired from Wrigley Gum and was formerly employed by Continental Whitecap.  Eugene spent nine years as owner/operator of Gene’s Lawn Service maintaining property at Woodhaven Lakes.  Gene was a board member of Friends of Des Plaines.  He loved hunting at the Des Plaines Conservation Area, was a member of the Fox Creek Hunt Club.

Survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Nancy Lee (nee Davis) Ricketts of Channahon; his two children, Ken (Jill) Ricketts of Plainfield, and Liz (Rob) Filipow of Plainfield; three grandchildren, Aubree, Ethan, and Isabella Ricketts; two sisters, Mary Jane Hislop of Michigan and Jan (Kevin) Henderson of Texas; one brother, Michael (Jane) Ricketts of Indiana; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends from Woodhaven.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, James and Robert Ricketts.

Funeral Services for Gene Ricketts will be held Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 11:45 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted at 1:00 p.m.  Memorials in his name to Friends of the Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area at www.friendsofdesplaines.org would be appreciated.  Visitation will be held Tuesday, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com