Patrick A. Ricke

Patrick A. Ricke, 57, of Rock Island, Illinois, died Thursday, February 29, 2024, in his sleep at home.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Bad Boyz Pizza, Moline, Illinois. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, under the direction of Trimble Funeral Home.  Burial will take place at Greenview Memorial Gardens, East Moline, with immediate family at a later date. 

Patrick Allan Ricke was born February 28, 1967, in Moline, Illinois, the son of Lowell and Barbara (AmRhein) Ricke. He worked at Illowa Cable for nearly 10 years, earning his title, “The Cable Guy”. But if you knew Pat well, you would know that wasn’t his only name. He was an avid race fan. When he wasn’t at the local dirt track working on the pit crew, you’d find him watching NASCAR with those endless left turns on Sunday afternoons. 

Pat’s adventurous spirit brought him to Merry. Together, they had three children. “Dad” became “Coach” as he coached his daughter’s softball team, and then his son’s soccer team. His children grew up, and he became “Grandpa”, but Pat wasn’t done. He was ornery and stubborn, but his heart was just as big. His loving partner, Lola called him “the light of her life”. He was a staple in his neighborhood and a friend to rely on. Every kid on the block knew that “Ol’ Skool” was ready to fix their bikes and keep the peace sitting outside on his stoop.

Pat’s passing was sudden and unexpected. He knew it was never too late to make a new name for yourself, and each of his titles was a testament to the lives he had a lasting impact on. His fiery spirit and big heart will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

He is survived by his children, Sarah (Gene) Anderson, Alex “Pete” Ricke, and Samantha (Caleb) Webster; his grandchildren, Jorden, Mylee, Alexander, Sawyer, and Winona; his sister, Luann Morelock; and the mother of his children, Merry Leyendecker. He is preceded by his parents; his brothers, Ronnie Ricke, and William “Bill” Ricke; and his sister, Theresa Church.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.