Robert "Dale" Rickstrew

Robert “Dale” Rickstrew, 77, of Westmoreland, Kansas, passed away Sunday, June 27, 2010 at St. Francis Hospital, in Topeka. Dale was born September 7, 1932, in Louisville, Kansas, the son of James H. and Cora I. (Nihart) Rickstrew. He attended Wamego High School and later earned his GED. Dale worked as a farmer and a highway construction worker for Koss Construction. He was married to Charlene Straub for 25 years, and later married Glenda Swift for 19 years, who preceded him in death. Dale was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #902, in Flush, KS, and a member of the Local Union 101, Operators and Engineers. He was proud to be the first to operate the Slip Paver, in the state of Kansas. He also was an avid pool player, enjoyed wildlife, and hunting with his longtime buddy, Thayne Cozart. He was also very proud of his large family. Survivors include his 9 children: Judy Jones and husband Duane, of Wamego, KS, Joyce Reich and husband Pat, of Auburn, NE, Janet Glynn and husband Tom, of Wamego, KS, Robert Rickstrew and wife Barbara, of Wamego, KS, Ron Rickstrew and wife Shana, of Diller NE, Joanne Burgos of Wamego, KS, Raymond Rickstrew and wife Shelley, of Belvue, KS, Jacquie Steinbacher and husband Gene, of Bonner Springs, KS, and Joleen Yapp and husband Gene, of Hoyt, KS; one stepdaughter: Judy Williams and husband Mike, of Emporia, KS; 33 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Cora, his wife Glenda, and sister Betty Glotzbach. Funeral services for Robert “Dale” Rickstrew, will be held Friday, July 2, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., at Stewart Funeral Home, in Wamego, with burial to follow in the Wamego City Cemetery. A rosary open to the public will take place, Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 6:30 p.m., followed by family receiving friends from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., all at Stewart Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Wamego Community Foundation, in Dale’s name, and may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, 66547. Condolences may also be left at www.stewartfuneralhomes.com.