Obituary of Richard C Pickett

Richard C. Pickett passed away held by his family incased with love and peace on May 17, 2023. Peace was an ongoing theme in the days leading up to his death. The precious calm that eluded him since the passing of his beloved wife shortly over a year ago. Dick, or “Tex” as his old friends knew him by, was born on January 26, 1943 in Algoma, WI to Pete and Getty Pickett. The fourth of eight children, Dick grew up in Tomahawk. Dick was a 1961 graduate of Tomahawk High School where he exceled as a varsity member of the football and basketball teams, but his first love was baseball. He was a member of Tomahawk’s 1959 State qualifying team. In 1961 he led the Road Lake Lakers to the Lincoln County League Championship pitching a 3 hit 1-0 shutout win in the championship game. After high school, Dick enlisted in the US Navy where he participated in the blockade of Cuba during the Cuban missile crises. After his service he made his way back to Tomahawk where he was an officer for the Tomahawk Police Department. Ever restless, he moved on to Las Vegas to work security for a casino. From there it was on to Palm Beach, FL, where he fell madly in love with Aida Bentley. They were married on August 1, 1980. He lived many lives during his 80 years and loved to regale all with tales from his varied past. After moving to Florida, he continued to dabble in many hobbies and occupations, ultimately building a career in real estate and marketing spanning 30 years. After retirement, his passion erupted for the sport of golf and he began chasing the goal of shooting his age. Dick was riotously funny. He and Aida had an innate ability to turn every setback into a funny story. Walking in the front door, which was always open, you would be assaulted with laughter. Aida loved his jokes and without her there to laugh until she cried, the jokes stopped coming. When they were at peace the world around them was loud and vibrant and hilarious. It may have looked different in his final days, but we are thankful he found Aida again and together, they are at peace. Dick is preceded in death by his wife of 41 years – Aida; his parents – Pete & Getty Pickett; a sister – Mary Ann (Ernest Jr) Meyers; a brother – Jim (Joan) Pickett; and an infant sister – Kathy Pickett. He is survived by his children – Bryan (Megan) Bentley, Brook (Mike) Lavelle and Casey Pickett; siblings – Judy (Gary) White, Ken (Sherri) Pickett, Joe (Joanie) Pickett and John (Dorleen) Pickett. He is further survived by five grandchildren – Blake, Bryse and Chase Bentley, Finley and Logan Lavelle; many nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be a gathering to celebrate Dick Pickett’s life held on August 5th, 2023 at Memorial Park. The gathering will start at Noon under the gazebo and concludes when all of the stories have been told. No cards, no flowers, just bring your stories. The “two-Timm” limit will be lifted for the occasion. Krueger Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. You may view the full obituary and leave online condolences at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com