FLORIDA -- Richard C. Rickenberg, 61, Florida, Ohio, died at 6:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2008, in Mercy Hospital of Defiance, Defiance, Ohio.

He was born Dec. 1, 1946, in Napoleon, Ohio, the son of Alfred and Viola M. (Wieland) Rickenberg. On Dec. 23, 1967, he married Ilonka M. Szabo, who survives. He was a 1964 graduate of Jewell High School and an engineer at GM Powertrain for 37 years, retiring in 2002. He was the mayor of Florida for eight years and a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Defiance. He was a member of the National Guard, AMVETS Post 1991 and VFW Post 3360.

Surviving are his wife, Ilonka M. Rickenberg, Defiance; two sons, Jason (Sarah) Rickenberg of Defiance and Kevin (Theresa) Rickenberg, Defiance; a daughter, Jodi (Daniel) Burk, Defiance; three grandsons, Benjamin and Wesley Rickenberg and Preston Burk; a granddaughter, Morgan Burk; and a sister, Mrs. Edward (JoAnn) McCray, Defiance.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and two brothers, Ralph and Henry Rickenberg.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2008, in St. John Lutheran Church, Defiance, with Rev. Donald L. Luhring officiating. Burial will be in Florida Cemetery, Florida, Ohio, with VFW military graveside services accorded by VFW Post 3360. Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. Friday at Mast-Mock-Hoffman-Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Preferred memorials are to Henry County Home Health & Hospice, American Heart Association and/or to the church. Condolences may be left at www.mastmockhoffman.com.

(paid obituary)