Ricky J. Sailer, age 72, of Elmwood, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on December 31, 2025. He was born on September 4, 1953.

Ricky was a lifelong resident of Elmwood and took great pride in his family and community. Ricky and Mary worked at the family business “Sailer’s Food Market and Meat Processing” with his parents and, eventually, his son, Jake. He will be remembered for his kind heart and deep devotion to those he loved. Time spent with family and friends meant everything to him, and his presence will be deeply missed.

Ricky married his high school sweetheart, Mary (Huebel), on November 13^th, 1971, and they were happily married for 54 years. Together, they created so many wonderful memories—trips to the lake, entertaining in his “happy places”, his garage and the basement, fireworks, motorcycle rides, and raising a beautiful family. Ricky’s famous “good morning” and smile to everyone he met will be forever cherished. Dressing up for Halloween, many fun Chanegans, taking time to greet everyone who came into the store, and he was always willing to help a neighbor or friend.

Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Jr and Rene Sailer, and his godmother, Charlotte Robledo.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Sailer; his son, Jake Sailer; and his daughter, Jill Peters (Travis). Four grandchildren, Hope, Mason, Morgan, and Sam. Two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Oakley. His brother Greg Sailer.

A memorial service for Ricky will be held 10:00AM Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Visitation will be Friday, January 9, 2026 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at the church on Friday and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. A lunch will follow the Funeral to be held at the Elmwood Auditorium.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Elmwood, is serving the family.

Condolences may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.

Condolences

1. Dan Connors January 8, 2026, at 4:18pm

   Sailers, I’m so sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. I appreciated getting to know him over the years and he was an amazingly kind and appreciative guy. I’ll always remember his friendly demeanor. I’m sorry to miss the funeral, but your family is in my prayers.

2. Dan Gregor January 6, 2026, at 12:28pm

   Sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed visiting with Rick back when I was on the laundry route. RIP Rick.

3. Don & Marti Hardy January 6, 2026, at 12:02pm

   Mary & family,
   We were so sad to hear of Rick's passing. He had such a kind heart & caring personality. We were always welcomed with a hearty greeting, along with his great smile. He will be sorely missed!

4. Marge and Tony Binkowski January 6, 2026, at 7:27am

   Mary, Jake, Jill; Our sympathy for you all. Praying for you. Marge and Tonyl

5. Bob Kinsman January 4, 2026, at 8:23am

   I have a lot of great memories spending time with Ricky. He loved to have a great time with family and friends. He will be missed by many and my condolences to Mary Jill Jake. Rest in peace Ricky.

6. Betty (Huebner) Hawkins January 3, 2026, at 9:06pm

   Oh, Ric, this was a real shock. I have been thinking of all the memories I have from taking care of you, and Greg, when you were little. You were so much fun to take care of. Being with you guys, and Auntie Rene and Uncle Frank, was always a hoot. So much fun and great memories. My sincerest condolences to Mary, Jake, Jill, Greg, and all the family and great friends. I shall miss his beautiful smile and love of family and friends. Love Always, Cousin Betty

7. Jackie Sailer January 3, 2026, at 5:33pm

   Mary, Jake, Jill and Greg - sending my thoughts and prayers to all of you at this difficult time.

8. Suzi Crownhart January 3, 2026, at 11:19am

   Mary and Family, My sympathy to all. Rick was a great guy - so friendly all the time - and a good neighbor while I lived in Elmwood. May he Rest in Peace.

9. Tim and Tina Ottman January 3, 2026, at 9:59am

   Ric was a great friend and mentor to my brother Jim and myself. Always had a smile. A humble soul with a big heart. Gonna miss you Brother. God Bless you. My heartfelt wishes for Mary and Family. Know that you are loved.

10. Shannon Thomas January 3, 2026, at 8:53am

    So sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. He was a wonderful person and always went out of his way to make people feel welcome. No matter where I saw him he always said hi and we had a quick catch up! He will be sadly missed by all that had the good fortune of knowing him. Mary, Jake, and Jill, my thoughts and prayers are with you all, thank you for sharing Rick with us!!

11. carol matara January 3, 2026, at 8:45am

    you have my deepest heart felt condolences! every time I think of you guys, I smile. so sorry for your loss! I already miss him!

12. Kathy & Bob Geraets January 3, 2026, at 6:51am

    Condolence to Mary & Jake, Jill all their families
    da

13. kathi jensen January 3, 2026, at 6:35am

    My Deepest Sympathy, Rick was a favorite customer & great guy( Herb's Barber Shop).

14. Kurt Vogel January 3, 2026, at 5:12am

    You have our deepest sympathy during this challenging time. May you find peace and comfort in the legacy Ricky had left behind.

15. bruce schmiling January 2, 2026, at 8:30pm

    We have always enjoyed the Sailer Family. They were always friendly in and out of the store. Rest in peace my Friend.

16. Jim Krause January 2, 2026, at 8:13pm

    Mary, Jill, Jake, and Greg and the rest of the Family. I am so sorry to hear of Rick's passing ????. He was a great neighbor and friend. He helped me many times. Our Fathers even grew up together. He will be missed by me and the whole town. You have my condolences and prayers ????.

17. Beverly (Podoll) Spires January 2, 2026, at 7:22pm

    I send my sincere condolences to Mary, Jill, Jake and Greg. Fly high and in Peace Rick!

18. Joe and Jan Drier January 2, 2026, at 6:03pm

    Mary, Jake, Jill, Greg and families,
    So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all during this time!

19. Jenny Weber January 2, 2026, at 5:31pm

    I LOVE RICKY! 72 years of friendship. Eating red licorice dipped in sand, riding the ferris wheel at stars and stripes festival, delivering May baskets to each other and only running fast enough to get caught for a kiss, we were in each other's weddings. We we're like brother/sister and maybe boyfriend/girlfriend by the age of 5. But Mary won his heart ❤. I am at a loss for not have been able to have had a chance to say goodbye . I am thinking of your family dear friend and I feel their pain. Truly I do ????

20. Jenny Weber January 2, 2026, at 5:11pm

    I love Ricky. 72 years of friendship. Eating red licorice dipped in sand on the curb of mainstreet, giving each other may baskets and running only fast enough to be caught for a kiss, riding the ferris wheel at the stars and stripes festival in town, in each other's wedding. Sooooo many memories...we were like brother/sister and maybe at the age of 5 we were boyfriend/girlfriend..Mary you were the love of his life. I am so sad for the loss of my dear lifelong friend and I so wish I could have said goodbye had I known you were not well. I LOVE YOU RICKY ????

21. Sandra January 2, 2026, at 4:44pm

    Rick will be sadly missed by so many! He was good to so many people! I have fond memories of if Rick at Sailers, UFO days, Elmwood he always had a kind word and big smile! Sending love to the whole family!

22. Becky Mintz January 2, 2026, at 4:37pm

    Dear Mary, I am so sad for you and all of Ric's family. I am thinking of you with deepest sympathy. Love, Becky

23. Jackie Sailer January 2, 2026, at 4:36pm

    Sending my thoughts and prayers to all of you!

24. Bonnie Asher January 2, 2026, at 4:27pm

    Mary and family we were saddened to hear of Rick's passing. We have very fond memories of Rick from our younger days and will Cherish them. Know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Larry and Bonnie Asher

25. Bonnie Asher January 2, 2026, at 4:25pm

    Mary and family we were saddened to hear of Rick's passing. We have very fond memories of Rick from our younger days and will Cherish them. Know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

26. Nancy Gullickson January 2, 2026, at 4:24pm

    My heart goes out to all of you. Rick was an inspiration to all. His laughter, love and kindness was overwhelming.

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