Jerry D. “Pa” Dean Rickert

Jerry Dean Rickert, 83, of Waterloo, died Saturday, March 28, 2026, from cancer. He was born August 8, 1942, in Hartley, son of Orville Rickert and Ferne Rickert (Schmidt).

Jerry graduated from Reinbeck High School in 1961. He married Sandra Elaine Rickert (Fagerlind) on December 18, 1971, in Waterloo. Jerry worked in production at John Deere for most of his career but worked briefly on road construction crew after serving four years in the United States Army.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Sandra Rickert, his son Matthew, and five siblings Robert “Buck” Rickert of Reinbeck, Donny Rickert of South Carolina, Jay Rickert of Oelwein, Joyce Newell of Story City and Betty Cooper of Reinbeck.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Jenny (Mike) Frost of Denver; two sons, Chad (Kendra) Rickert of Denver, and Tim (Angie) Rickert of Waterloo; 10 grandchildren, Courtney (Jay) Sandy of Denver, Brittney (Jason) Ranschau of Denver, Bayle (Nicholas) Hagedorn of Denver, Alexis (Dalton) Neilsen of Stout, Amber (Dalton) Feckers of Dike, Audrey (Nathan Skinner) Rickert of Evansdale, Carter Frost of Denver, and Gracie Frost of Denver, Ryann O’Connell of Waterloo, and Dakota (Samatha) O’Connell of Waterloo; and 12 great-grandchildren, Jada Anderson, Lijah O’Connell, Nico O’Connell, Ryonna and Rylynn Jackson, Broker and Bradley Sandy, Addison and Bennett Ranschau, Hugh Hagedorn, Roland, and Jansen Neilsen.

Jerry was known by most of his family and friends as “Pa.” He found his greatest peace tending to his garden, where each season brought bright red tomatoes for canning. He enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels to the point where he also became known as “the Turd Watcher.”

Cooper, a beloved Bernedoodle, was his loyal companion and best friend, offering constant comfort, joy, and unconditional love throughout their life together. Jerry always had treats in his pocket for all of the dogs and all the dogs knew it. Everyone joked about Cooper always getting the biggest piece. Don’t worry Jerry, Cooper will always get the bigger piece!

Sports Unlimited Campground in Prairie du Chien, WI was his second home where he camped for 37 years. The strong following his family has at the campground today is no accident, it exists because Jerry laid the groundwork. He showed everyone just how special that place could be: a break from the stresses of everyday life, a place to slow down, be present, and spend real, meaningful time with family. Because of him, it became more than just a campground; it became a place where memories have been and will continually be made, traditions have been and will continually be built, and connections have grown and will continually grow stronger year after year.

Fishing was among his favorite pastimes where he spent hours in the boat on the Mississippi river with friends and family “catching” panfish and the occasional walleye. He enjoyed floating the river on the pontoon and catching waves in the runabout or jet ski.

At home, Jerry appreciated the comfort of a home-cooked meal and took great pride in his collection of tools. He believed in being prepared and having the right tool for any job, big or small. A true reflection of how he approached life, always putting others before himself.

After the passing of his wife, Sandy, Jerry was entirely focused on spending time with his family. He spent time at various family activities including his granddaughter’s volleyball games, his grandson’s hockey games, baseball and other sporting events. He also would call his sons, daughter, or granddaughter to see who had the best meal for that evening.

Jerry did not need many words to make an impact. He taught through action, led by example, and left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His legacy will live on in the values he passed down and the countless lessons he showed rather than told.

Funeral services will be 10:30 am Wednesday, April 7, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park.

Burial will be in the Waterloo Cemetery with Military Rites by the Iowa Army National Guard Honors and the American Legion Becker Chapman Post #138.

Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 pm Tuesday, April 6, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park.

Memorials are directed to the family.