Willard Allen Ryckman Sr.

Willard Allen Ryckman Sr., 105, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2024. He was born in 1918 to the late Seymour and LaVerne (Jenkins) Ryckman on their family farm in Orange Township, he led a life filled with love and devotion to family. After graduating from Kalkaska High School in 1937, Willard married Maxine Rugg, his high school sweetheart. Together they raised four sons and a daughter, sharing 55 years of happiness. During their time together, they loved travelling throughout the world, visiting Europe, Africa, Mexico, and all throughout the United States. During WWII, he proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Bayhem Ag71, which travelled 32,000 miles between 1944-1946. On June 14, 2019, Willard was presented with the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his dedication, sacrifice, and service to our country. Willard worked hard throughout his life, first as a bookkeeper for Kalkaska State Bank, then running gas stations for Ryckman Oil Co., and later selling insurance and annuities in the local community. In his spare time, Willard loved going outdoors and enjoying the beauty of spending time camping with his family as well. Family was everything to Willard, and he cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly. He was proud of the adults that his own children grew up to be as well. He was also a passionate Blazer’s sport fan, especially of Kalkaska basketball and baseball, earning recognition for his support over 65 years. Willard and Maxine loved hosting and putting on team dinners for the teams while their children were still involved. Willard was a founding member of the Rotary Club, embodying a spirit of service and community. He leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication that will be missed by all and remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Willard will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Mary Sue (Olli) Wendelin; sons Douglas (Martha) Ryckman, Ronald W. (Mary) Ryckman; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; sisters Gene Woodhams, and Virgil Uitvlugt; daughter-in-law Rebecca Ryckman; and sister-in-law Kay Ryckman. He was preceded in death by his wife Maxine E. Ryckman; parents Seymour (LaVerne) Ryckman, sons James E. (Patricia) Ryckman, Willard Allen Ryckman Jr.; grandchildren Jimmy, and Carlene; brothers Seymour (Marie), DeVere (Betty), and Clesson Ryckman; brothers-in-law Victor Woodhams, and Martin Uitvlugt. Memorial contributions may be made in Willard’s honor to the Kalkaska County Commission on Aging or Kalkaska Public Schools Athletic Department. A visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Kalkaska Funeral Home. An additional visitation will be held at 10:00am on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Kalkaska Funeral Home followed by a funeral service at 10:30am. A burial will follow taking place at Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Willard Allen Ryckman Sr.

November 14, 1918 - March 30, 2024