On February 15, 2017, Richard B. Ringler passed from this world into the arms of his Lord and Savior. Rich was born March 28, 1947 in Ashland, Ohio to Harry and Florence (Ungerer) Ringler. He lived on the family's farm near Rowsburg, Ohio until the age of 12 when he went to live with the Roger Burckhart family near New Pittsburgh, Ohio. Roger raised Rich like his own son and continued to be a father figure for Rich's entire life. Rich graduated from Northwestern High School and served in the United States Army, Big Red One Infantry Division. He was seriously wounded while deployed to Vietnam but was able to save the lives of many men in his company while taking constant fire from enemy forces. For these actions, Rich received the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. Rich retired from the military May of 1969.
Rich married Karen Swartz on April 9, 1988 at Plain Lutheran Church. If you could have asked Rich what his greatest accomplishments were in his life, he would have said being a good husband to his wife and a father to daughter Kimberly and son Jacob. He adored his children and said seeing them each night when he got home made everything right in the world.
Rich worked for the former George Lamb Chevrolet Dealership in Wooster for approximately 10 years. He then went back to work for Roger Burckhart managing and working the farm. Rich realized his dream of being an owner/operator by purchasing a semi truck and leasing on with Truck One and then ECM. He retired from trucking in 2010 but got the itch again and went to work as a driver for D&S, Inc. He enjoyed this work until retirement beckoned once again on April 30, 2016. Along with his years of hard work, Rich was also a generous soul, looking to help others in any way possible. His memory will live on, and he was and will continue to be loved by many.
Rich was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church Jeromesville.
Rich is survived in addition to his wife by his daughter Kimberly (Chris) Howard, father and mother- in-law Kyle and Julia Swartz, father Roger Burckhart, brother Tom (Cindy) Ringler, Karen's siblings and their familes, and many nieces, nephews and some of the best friends a man could have. Rich was proceeded in death by his son Jacob, his parents, and brother, Phil.
Calling hours will be held at Fickes Funeral Home in Jeromesville, OH, on Sunday, February 19, 2017, from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm. The funeral will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church Jeromesville on Monday, February 20, 2017 at 11:00 am with Pastor Jerry Rhea officiating. A private burial will occur at a later date.
The family is requesting that guests wear purple, if able, as this color held a special place in Rich's heart.
In lieu of flowers, Rich's request was that a donation be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105) or Asian Mission for Christ (2259 Waters Edge Blvd., Columbus, OH 43209).
Online condolences may be made at www.fickesfuneralhome.com.