Jean Bernolyn Ricci, 83, of Rice Lake joined her Lord and Savior in Heaven on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018 at her home. She was born the youngest of nine children on Aug. 26, 1934, in the town of Doyle to Miles and Ida (Johnson) Hazelberg, and graduated from Cumberland High School in 1953.

She was married in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cumberland, Wisconsin, on March 28, 1953 to Albert Ricci.

The Monday following the wedding, they headed west to Priest River, Idaho, where Al was employed by the U.S. Forest Service.

In 1956, Jean and Al purchased the Chevron station.

Their five healthy children (which she always exclaimed were God’s blessing to her) were born in Idaho, and Jean kept the books while raising the kids.

The family moved to Cumberland in 1967 and five years later to Rice Lake, where Al went to work at Mathisen Tire. In 1972, Jean started as bookkeeper at the tire shop which they purchased in 1980 and later became Ricci Tire, eventually selling the business to sons Jim and Joe.

She was known for her impeccable bookkeeping skills, retiring in 1993. Her organization skills made her the go-to for planning family gatherings and keeping up with the ever-expanding family tree.

For 11 years, they spent much of the year in Florida, where she was an above-average bowler, and also kept busy playing golf and crafting.

Jean enjoyed baking cookies (which you could purchase for a kiss,) knitting, and reading.

Her children and grandchildren have an impressive collection of hats, mittens, sweaters, scarves, cross stitch murals, incredible newborn baby sweaters, personalized Christmas stockings and the most coveted of all, hand knit socks.

Jean surrendered her life to Jesus in 1997 and her faith in Christ has consistently grown; she has contributed her many gifts to Northern Lakes Community Church. She spent hours every day in the presence of the Holy Spirit, studying her Bible and praying for family, friends, and those in need.

Jean expressed her love with hugs, kisses and “I love you.”

Before his death on Jan. 6, 2012, her husband Al was born again in Christ, Jesus, possibly the crowning achievement of Jean’s life. Because of this, Jean and Al are now reunited for eternity with perfect bodies praising their Lord in the glory of Heaven.

She leaves blessings and many wonderful memories with her daughters, Julie (Kevin) Monson of Almena, Karie (Bob) Anderson of Rice Lake and Jeanine (Bob) Solum of Shell Lake; her sons, Jim (Bonnie) Ricci and Joe (Ann) Ricci, both of Rice Lake; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; great-great-grandson, Breccan Nelson; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by siblings, Marceline Hoegger-Anderson, Evelyn Ostrum, Eleanor Lloyd, Marion, Gordon, Henry, Frederick and Roy Hazelberg

A celebration of her life on earth and new life with Jesus was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018, at Northern Lakes Community Church with Pastor Dennis Wright officiating. A memorial visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. Monday at the Skinner Funeral Home in Rice Lake and for an hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church.

Skinner Funeral Home of Rice Lake is serving the family.