Norman A Rick
February 05, 1936 - August 09, 2026
Obituary
MOUNT HOREB - Norman A. Rick, age 90, of Mount Horeb, was called home to Heaven on Sunday, August 9, 2026. He was born on February 5, 1936, in Wausau, Wis., the son of Norman Rick Sr. and Agnes (Helmus) Rick.
Norm graduated from Wausau High School in 1954 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he studied mechanical engineering. Norm proudly served his country as a member of the 32nd “Red Arrow” Infantry Division and Brigade of the US Army Reserve. He was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis and trained extensively for potential combat at Fort Lewis, Washington.
Returning to civilian life, Norm was employed as a mechanical engineer at Carnes Corporation in Verona. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Melba, on June 20, 1974, in Nashua, Iowa. Melba, Pam, and Jeff joined him at the Town of Springdale farm, where he took great pride in caring for the property and pets, remodeling the farmhouse, and above all, creating a loving, supportive home with Melba for their children and grandchildren.
He began his career as a medical engineer and inventor in 1976 at Ohio Medical Products, now known as GE Medical Equipment, and retired in 2007. During his distinguished career, he was awarded several US Patents associated with ventilators and anesthesia machines. He earned a degree in marketing at Madison College and worked in semi-retirement as a consultant in the medical equipment field.
Norm had a lifelong love of learning and adventure. He enjoyed trap shooting and, well into his 60s, earned his second-degree black belt in Shorin-Ryu karate. He held a private pilot’s license, reflecting his adventurous spirit and love of flying. Norm treasured the company of many friends who joined him in collecting trains and building model layouts, constructing radio-controlled model planes, playing guitar, and hunting. Norm looked forward to visits from his brother, Jon, who shared many hobbies and interests.
Norm was an active member of Springdale Lutheran Church and found joy playing guitar in the Praise Band during Sunday church services. Norm lived a life defined by his steadfast faith in Christ and devotion to Melba and their family who felt his unconditional love and pride.
Norm is survived by his wife, Melba; children, Pam (Duane Hellenbrand) Allen and Jeff (Ronda) Allen; grandchildren, Ben (Anna) Festge, Adam (Jamacia) Festge, Jacob (Sarah) Allen and Josie (Jason) Miranda; great-grandchildren, Owen and Mara Festge, and Mathias, Noah and Timothy Festge; niece, Deidre (Matt) Dunn; great niece, Jillian Rick; and sister-in-law, Kathy Cerwinske along with her children and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Agnes Rick; and brother, Jon Rick.
A private graveside service will be held at Springdale Lutheran Church at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
"As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." — Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” — Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT)
Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077