Joseph E. Ricker

Joseph E. Ricker, 46, of Bucyrus, died on April 27, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family after an 8 month battle with cancer.



Joe was born August 19, 1974 to Ronald Ricker Sr. and Cathy (Bomgardner) Adams in Columbus. He joined the Bucyrus community in 1979 after his mother married Darrell Smith, who became his stepfather and raised him alongside Cathy. During high school, Joe met the love of his life, Stacy Corwin. They met through mutual friends and began dating their freshmen year. They both graduated from Bucyrus High School and got married on May 27, 1995. Joe worked as a subcontractor and drove semi-trucks for a living. The last company he worked for was OKKJI. Altogether Joe enjoyed his 18 years of driving and attained over 1 million miles of safe driving.



The most important thing in Joe’s life was his kids and family. He enjoyed spending time with them by riding dirt bikes. Work took him on the road often, so when he was home for a family meal, he wanted the whole family there and with their phones away. One of his favorite trips was with Stacy to celebrate their 25th anniversary. They had visited Gatlinburg and it was the only trip they took without the kids. Joe’s hobbies were working on his motorcycle and cars, going shooting, and long motorcycle rides. He loved vanilla wafers and was never seen without a hat. Joe was a simple, humble man who did not sugarcoat the truth when asked. You could always trust him to be honest.



Surviving Joe is his loving wife, Stacy, of nearly 26 years; children Makenzie Ricker, Marcus Ricker, and Mason Ricker; granddaughter Korwyn Ricker; brothers Ronald (Heather) Ricker Jr. and Matt (Mandy) Smith; sisters Bobbi Jean Smith and Michelle (Doug) Cliffton; mother Cathy Adams; stepfather Darrell (Pam) Smith; father and mother-in-law Mike and Julie Corwin; brother-in-law Aaron (Jill) Corwin; grandmother Dorothy Bomgardner; many nieces and nephews; and very special friends Brian (Jodi) Blum and Mitch Bloomfield. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Edwin Bomgardner and paternal grandparents Robert and Erma Ricker.



His family invites friends from 4 – 7pm Saturday, May 1, at Wise Funeral Service. Services will be held at 2pm Sunday, May 2, at Wise Funeral Service with Reverend Becky Stephens officiating. Memorial contributions can be made payable to the Bucyrus Band Parents and sent to the funeral home at 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820. Memories and pictures can be posted on Joe’s tribute wall.