Ralph Rickel

Ralph D. Rickel, age 88, was an Air Force Veteran. He was a crew member on a B-17 bomber and flew 33 combat missions with the 8th Air Force over Europe. He also was a crew member, flying on B-29 bombers during the Korean conflict, receiving numerous awards and decorations for both. He was a member of the DAV and VFW Post 1079 in Elyria, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his father, Don Guy, mother, Iva Mae, brother, Harold, sisters, Muriel Sugaski, Beulah Ward, and daughter, Michelle Clutter.
He is survived by his wife, Frances M. Rickel, daughter Linda Tua (Hawaii), sons Robert (Florida), Richard, Brother Aubrey, in addition to 11 grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, nephew Robert Dybo, and niece Joanne Bauer.
The family will receive guests Tuesday from 2-8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd. (419-381-1900). Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church 601 East Boundary Street, Perrysburg, Ohio where the family will also receive guests starting at 10:00 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Kerry Wood and nephew, Deacon Robert Dybo. Interment will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery, Wellington, Ohio.
Mr. Rickel was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Perrysburg, Ohio, and requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either to the Grace Missions or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 800 S. Detroit Avenue, Toledo, Ohio.