Robert L. Rickus

Robert L. Rickus, (85), of Spencerport, NY, passed away on January 25, 2025. Bob was a beloved pastor, counselor, teacher, father, grandfather, uncle, husband, and friend. He was known for his deep love of God, his profound insight on life and faith, and his gentle beaming smile that made people feel treasured. He enjoyed tending his yard, golfing, reading books, creating art, and spending time with his family. 

Born on October 6, 1939, in South Gate, California, Bob was the son of the late Melbourne Lawrence and Ruth Hildegarde Reidenbach Rickus. He met Katharine Louise Shinn at junior college at Concordia in Bronxville, New York, and they were married on December 22, 1962. After earning a Masters in Sacred Theology from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri in 1966, he pastored two churches named Immanuel Lutheran: in rural Salisbury, Missouri from 1966-1975 and in Tonawanda, New York from 1975-2003. He was also a Professor of Religious Studies at the University at Buffalo, Coordinator of Lutheran 3-0 radio broadcast, a leader for Lutheran Campus Ministries, and an influencer to clergy and lay leaders in the Buffalo area. In his retirement, he served as an interim pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Penfield, New York.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, and daughter: John (Carlie) of Buffalo, NY, James of Amherst, NY, and Karen (Chris) of Spencerport, NY, and grandchildren Claire, Andrew, Samuel, and Clara Grace. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melbourne and Ruth of South Bend, Indiana, sister Ruth Lindeman, of South Bend, Indiana and brother Richard Rickus of Columbus, Indiana. 

His Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church in Rochester, NY.

Memorial donations may be made to Lutheran World Relief: https://lwr.org