On March 18, 2025, Raymond (Casey) Rickels of Mount Vernon, the loving father, husband and grandfather passed away at age 90. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret (Sue) Rickels.

Funeral services will be held at Mount Vernon Methodist Church at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2025. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Brighton, Iowa. Goettsch Funeral Home of Monticello has taken Ray and his family into their care.

Raymond D. Rickels, born May 12, 1934, in Castle Grove Township Jones County was the son of Sena Siebels-Rickels & William M. Rickels. He attended school in Monticello. He was married to Margaret (Sue) Rickels and they were married Jan. 12, 1955 while attending the University of Iowa.

He worked at Wilson’s for over 30 years. Ray had a passion for the environment. He also was a business owner and landscaper with a tree and nursery garden along with his wife that began in 1963 thru 1973. He planted 700 trees in Mount Vernon through a city program over seven years through his business career. Among other businesses were their antiques shop, Red Shed Antiques and B & B, “Inn Among the Trees” as well as being a bus driver for 14 years.

Ray was active in the Mount Vernon Methodist Church, the Masons, and enjoyed many bridge card games among his many friends. Ray also participated in international hosting programs for visitor/family exchange developing life-long relationships.

He was known for his wit and infectious smile along with his kind and compassionate spirit. His appreciation & love for life & laughter fostered a beloved & revered family life and friendships. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and loved nothing more than spending time with them. He delighted in practicing organic country farming, playing cards and traveling.

He will be loved by & missed by daughters Dawn Thimm and Debra Rickels-Sabin and son-in-law Joe Thimm as well as Ray’s four grandchildren, Treva Thimm, Sean Sabin, Ashley Thimm & Cole Sabin.