Raymond Rickert
Granite City | Save
Raymond “Ray” Randall Rickert, age 90, of St. Louis, Missouri, formerly of Granite City, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Christian Hospital in St. Louis, surrounded by the love of his family.
Ray was born on April 1, 1935, in Granite City, Illinois, the beloved son of the late Edward and Anna (Glozik) Rickert.
A proud United States Army veteran, Ray served his country with honor and dedication. On August 30, 1969, he married the love of his life, Suzanne Gowatch, in St. Louis, beginning a beautiful journey that spanned over fifty-six years of love, laughter, and partnership.
Ray was a devoted member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in St. Louis and a man of deep faith and integrity. He retired from Granite City Steel in 1997, after a long and loyal career, first working in the blast furnace and later in the computer room.
In his younger years, Ray found joy in fishing and spending time at the family’s clubhouse in Cuba, Missouri. He loved gathering with friends at the Eagles Lodge in Granite City, often alongside his brother Edward, sharing stories, laughter, and camaraderie. Ray also enjoyed testing his luck at the casinos, solving crossword puzzles, and was an avid reader. His greatest joy was always the time he spent with his cherished family and friends. His warm smile, quick wit, and kind spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his brother, Edward Rickert.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Suzanne Rickert of St. Louis, Missouri; loving son, Ben Rickert (Katy Wilkinson) of Wentzville, Missouri; dear siblings, Carole (Louis) Mitchell of Granite City, Illinois, Nancy Copp of Tucson, Arizona, and Michael Rickert of Ft. Myers, Florida; many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends who will carry his memory in their hearts.
In celebration of Ray’s life, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Granite City, Illinois, with Father Alfred Tumwesigye officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
Memorial donations may be made to Mt. Grace “Pink Sisters” or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and donations will be accepted at the church.
Irwin Chapel in Granite City, Illinois, is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home
