Colleen M. Rick

Colleen M. Rick age 78, of Janesville died on Sunday April 14, 2019 at Rock Haven Nursing Home in Janesville after a fifteen year struggle with Alzheimers. She was born October 13, 1940 to the late Glen and Mary (Stearns) Wolter in Brodhead, WI.  Colleen graduated from Brodhead High School, class of 1958. She married Gordon R. Rick on September 26, 1958. He preceded her in death in 2001.

Colleen was a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.  She worked for eleven years at Monterey Mills until 1985 when she enrolled as a full-time student in Blackhawk Technical College's Nursing program.  She was an excellent student and graduated from the program two years later.  Shortly thereafter she proudly received her RN license.  She worked as a registered nurse for many years at Lakeland Nursing Home in Elkhorn, WI, at Rock Haven Nursing Home in Janesville, and as a in-home care nurse until her retirement in 2002.

Colleen loved to knit, crochet and sew, and over the years created many beautiful blankets, throws, jackets, christening gowns, scarves, mittens and gloves as gifts for family and friends.  She also loved to go fishing with her husband and was very proud of her "catch of a lifetime" small mouth bass that was mounted and proudly displayed in their home.  If there was one word to describe Colleen it would be Selfless.  She lived for her family, friends, patients, and co-workers.  If you needed anything she would be there for you no matter the day or time.

She is survived by her daughter, Julie Rick; her two sons, Todd (Shelly) Rick and Michael (Milissa) Rick all of Janesville; her eight grandchildren, Jason Schneider, Jessica Schneider, Justinia Schneider, Christopher Rick, Carmen Rick, Jordan Rick, Michael Rick, and Lilli Rick; one step-grandchild, Ben Normington, and eleven great grandchildren.  She is further survived by her brother, Donald (Stella) Wolter; her sister, Laureen (Bernie) Hays; her son-in-law, Bill Normington, her sister-in-law, Sharon Wolter, and her brother-in-law Hank Schmid. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Gordon, her daughter, Brenda Normington, her brother, Richard Wolter and her sister, Gwen (Nate) Bliss, her sister-in-law Bonnie Wolter, her sister-in-law Frances Schmid and brother-in-law Nate Bliss.

The family would like to thank the staff at Rock Haven and Agrace Hospice for the care they gave our mother.

Colleen's Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 315 Cherry Street, Janesville with Fr. Tim J. Renz officiating. Friends will be received on Tuesday at Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Entombment will follow the Mass at Mt. Olivet Chapel, Janesville. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in her name.  Please share a memory or a condolence with the family on our website.

Alzheimer's is a barren disease, as empty and lifeless as a desert. It is a thief of hearts and souls and memories. Live life for the moment because everything else is uncertain.

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