Ricky A. 'Rick' Wendland

Ricky A. Wendland, 58, of Antigo, passed away Friday, December 21, 2018 at his home. Ricky was born August 22, 1960, in Merrill, son of the late Clarence and Shirley (Graap) Wendland. Rick married Kathy Peterson on July 1, 2017 in Antigo. She survives. Rick worked as a heavy equipment operator for Peterson Sand & Gravel in Merrill. He was also a logger. Rick enjoyed fishing, especially making any fishing trip with Kathy a contest. He also enjoyed go kart racing, taking care of his donkeys and mules, going to auctions and flea markets, sampling Moonshine in Minocqua, and riding his Harley. Rick was a super person, a good cook and always took care of his mother and the rest of his family. Rick and his wife, Kathy, were looking forward to moving to Florida in the near future. Survivors include his wife, Kathy Wendland of Antigo; step-son, Travis Bricco of Kimberly; sisters, Laurie Ramp of Tomahawk and Cheryl Wendland of Merrill; nieces, Krystal Ramp and Jennifer Ramp; aunts, Judy Nelson, Theresa Graap and Juanita Arndt all of Merrill; brothers-in-law, Dave (Cindy) Peterson of Antigo and John (Stacey) Peterson of Farmington, Minnesota; uncle, Tom Nowotny of Escanaba, Michigan; and several special pets, especially Jasper. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Shirley Wendland; and two sisters, Susan Wagers and Patricia Wendland-Waldburger. A celebration of Rick’s life will take place on Saturday, January 12, 2019 from 12:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill.