William L. "Bill" Ricker, 83, of Kenosha, passed away Sunday, July 30th, 2006, at his residence. Born in Tipporary, IA, on October 3, 1922, he was the son of the late Carl and Rachel (Hatsfield) Ricker. He came to Kenosha as a young child in 1928 and was educated in local schools. He was in the United States Army during World War II with the #358 SL AA Battalion, from January 23, 1943, until his honorable discharge on March 11, 1946. He served in Central Europe. Bill received the American Theater Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He had been instrumental in organizing the #358 SL AA Battalion Reunion every year. On July 19, 1947, at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, he married Virginia D. Stancato. She passed away February 11, 1998. He had been employed by Simmons Company and later for the Kenosha Water Utility, retiring in 1985. He was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, VFW Junker Ball Post 1865, and Old Timers Baseball Club. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, spending his winters in Mesa, AZ, where he co-founded Kenosha Days. For many years he was involved in Optimist Little League as manager for City Lumber. He was also active in other youth sports programs in Kenosha, such as CYC basketball and football. Bill played short-stop with the MAC Zippers Baseball Team which later became The Zippers Club, getting together for social events and a golf league. Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and David Judeika of Kenosha; two sisters, Jean Wierzbicki of Kenosha, and Betty MacLaurin of Sun City, CA; a brother, Marvin Ricker of Kenosha; and a grandson, David William (Julie) Judeika. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Paul, Lester and Robert Ricker; and a sister, Dorothy Fredrick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 2nd, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church at 11:00 am. Entombment to follow at All Saints Mausoleum. Visitation will be held on Wednesday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church from 9:00 am until the time of Mass. Memorials to Optimist Youth Baseball League, c/o Dr. James L. Santarelli, 1804-89th Place, Kenosha, WI 53143, would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533www.prokofuneralhome.com