Ernest ‘Ernie’ Rickabaugh

Ernest ‘Ernie’ Rickabaugh

1941 – 2024

BATTLE CREEK - Ernest “Ernie” Rickabaugh, 82, of Battle Creek, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2024, in Battle Creek. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek. Rev. Dr. Jim Edwards will officiate. Inurnment will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek. 

A Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, March 15, 2024, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove. 

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek and Ida Grove, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com.

Ernie was born on July 25, 1941, in Correctionville, to Gerald “Dick” and Vivian (Lorenzen) Rickabaugh. He graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1959.

Ernie met Virginia Call, and the couple were united in marriage at the First United Methodist Church of Ida Grove, on Dec. 9, 1961. Ernie and Virginia made their home in Battle Creek. They were blessed with four children: Tamera, Karman, Ernest E., and Gerald.

Ernie worked for many years for Vernus & Jackie Wunschel at their gas stations; Hupke’s Service and Ernie’s 66 in Battle Creek and Ida Grove. He also was employed for a time as the gas station manager at CO-OP in Ida Grove. Ernie always said he never felt like he was going to work because he enjoyed what he did and the many people that would stop in to visit and play cards.

Ernie was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek. He was a 37-year member of the Battle Creek Fire Department. Ernie loved to go for drives with his dogs and go out to eat. He could make a friend wherever he went.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Tamera (James) Rusch, Karman (Walt Rehse) Reitz, Ernest (Lynnette Buttler) Rickabaugh, Gerald (Gloria) Rickabaugh; grandchildren: Travis (Wendy) Albers, Brian (Christina) Albers, Cory Albers, Jamie (Brian) Boysen, Dustin Reitz, Trevor Reitz, Shayla (Shawn) Chambers, Parker Rickabaugh, Lyrik Naugle; great-grandchildren: Kolby and Addison Albers, Damien Emery, Jaidyn and Carver Brown, Ellie Albers, Noah Reitz, Hailey, Dastyn and Whitney Reitz; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Larry and Sharon Call; niece, nephews, family and friends. 

Ernest was preceded in death by his wife Virginia Rickabaugh; his parents; step-father Willard Tolle; sister Lois Monroe and her husband Don; sister Joyce Rickabaugh (in infancy); and grandson Hayden Rickabaugh. 

Services: March 16, First Presbyterian Church, Battle Creek

Burial: Mount Hope Cemetery, Battle Creek

Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home

Ida Grove • 712-364-2727

Battle Creek • 712-365-4446