Richard J. Schicker, 80, of Jefferson, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 13, 2026, at his home. 

Rick was born on January 26, 1946, in Watertown, WI, the son of Robert and Marion (Schiesl) Schicker.  He attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Grade School, and was Salutatorian of his class from Jefferson High School in 1964.  In 1968 he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from UW-Whitewater. 

After graduation, Rick joined the United States Air Force and was sent to Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas.  Rick was very patriotic and proud of his military service. 

On July 30, 1971, he married Vicki Brandel at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jefferson, and the couple enjoyed almost 55 years of wedded bliss.  The union was blessed with two daughters.

After four years in Texas, he returned to Wisconsin and taught middle and high school math and computer science in the Potosi School District, beginning in 1972.  Rick went on to earn Master degrees from UW-Whitewater and UW-Platteville, respectively.  Rick went on to earn Master degrees from UW-Whitewater and UW-Platteville.  In 2008, Rick retired from teaching.  His students appreciated his calm, steady, and straightforward style, and he has been remembered fondly by former students.

Rick loved working Sudoku puzzles, enjoyed bird watching on his many walks, and kept a meticulous lawn.  He was also an avid card player who taught his daughters to play Euchre at an early age.  During the hours of 1 PM and 3 PM daily, Rick could be found reading up on a multitude of topics.  And, he made his daily trips to Kwik Trip with his youngest grandson.  He also enjoyed fishing, was a talented photographer, volunteered his time and efforts at the Jefferson Food Pantry, and had a life-long and unwavering Catholic faith.  

Rick will be remembered for his dry sense of humor and quiet disposition, his willingness to put the needs of others above his own, and his deep commitment to his family.  Rick Schicker was a good and selfless man, who cared for others; he will be dearly missed. 

He is survived by: his wife Vicki Schicker of Jefferson; daughters Sally (Michael) Richards of Vienna, VA and Becky Kerkenbush of Jefferson; grandchildren Jonah, Jacob, Lucas, and Dora; his siblings Thomas (Phyllis) Schicker of Johnson Creek, Michael Schicker of Portland, TX, and William (Lisa) Schicker of Jefferson.  Rick is also survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary Neph, and his son-in-law Nick Kerkenbush. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Jefferson with Msgr. Donn Heiar presiding.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at St. Lawrence.  Rick’s earthly body will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Jefferson following the Mass.  A luncheon will follow at the Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home. 

Memorials may be given to the Jefferson Food Pantry or St. Lawrence Catholic Church.