Lawrence Wayne Rickgauer Obituary (1927

Lawrence Wayne Rickgauer 91 of Clinton, IL passed away 4:59 A.M. June 26, 2019 at Manor Court, Clinton, IL. Services will be 1 PM Monday, July 1, 2019 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with J. Kent Hickerson officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL with military honors. Visitation will be 11 AM - 1 PM Monday at the funeral home. Friends and family will be gathering at the Eagles for refreshments afterwards. Memorials may be directed to American Legion. Wayne was born November 13, 1927 in Towanda, IL the son of Harvey M. "Blondie" and Mary E. (Hendrick) Rickgauer. He married Evelyn Wantland September 1, 1962 in Clinton, IL. She passed away January 2, 1993. Wayne is survived by his children, Judy (Kerry) Osborne, Rock Springs, WY; Jeannie (Doug) Baker, Ypsilanti, MI, daughter-in-law, Kathy Wantland, Yuma, AZ, 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, siblings, Don Rickgauer, Lincoln, CA; Carol Gardner, Bloomington, IL, and special friend, Ulanda Bryan, Clinton, IL. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, 1 sister, and 3 stepsons. Wayne served his country in the U.S. Navy as a former Seabee. He was a former owner of Rickgauer Sand and Gravel and Sunnyside Acres in Clinton. He was a member of the Operating Engineers, Local #965, long time member of the Clinton American Legion and lifelong member of the Clinton VFW and the Clinton Eagles, obtaining Golden Eagle status. Wayne loved having a good time and never met a stranger. He hosted many people on his houseboat on Kentucky Lake and at his Wayne's World parties. He enjoyed wine making and sharing it with friends and family. He loved traveling, visiting with his kids, and watching the Cubs beat the Cardinals. He lived life to the fullest and will be sadly missed.