Jon "Rock" Rickenberg

Jon William Rickenberg, 57, of Liberty Center, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, January 23, 2026. He was born on August 6, 1968, in Napoleon, Ohio, to the late Walter and Lula (Witte) Rickenberg. Jon grew up in Napoleon, and was a 1987 graduate of Napoleon High School. He retired from Sauder Woodworking in Archbold, Ohio in 2025. Jon had a passion for music, and was a talented, self taught musician. He loved playing guitar, enjoyed songwriting, and played in several bands. Jon also had a passion for traveling. He frequently traveled to the Sunshine state, and enjoyed spending time at Clearwater Beach with his sister Grace. Jon loved relaxing at beach bars while enjoying live music and beautiful sunsets. He enjoyed hiking and had a weekly routine of exploring the trails and sights of Oak Openings Metropark. Jon loved adventures and road trips, and recently traveled out west to enjoy many iconic sights in the national parks. While on his adventures, he loved taking the back roads to explore the local music and food scenes. Jon, also known as “Rock” to many of his friends, enjoyed visiting Put-In-Bay, and always looked forward to the annual German American Festival in Oregon. When he wasn’t traveling or hiking, Jon enjoyed creating delicious meals at home. He inherited a love of cooking and baking from his mom, who was a wonderful cook. Jon’s compassion and genuine kindness was evident as he became the main caregiver for his father during Walter’s last five years of life. He was a devoted son and brother throughout his life. He greatly valued his family and enjoyed all the times gathering together. Jon will be lovingly remembered by his siblings, Carol (Mike) Mackin, Mary Wilkins, Grace Fronce, Jane (Rick) Crawford, Beth (Chris) Moore, and Christa (Shelby) Dawson; nieces and nephews, Mary Nelson, John Mackin, John Wilkins, Tom Wilkins, Christi Wilkins, Ashley Shinners, Jeff Crawford, Renee Hutchison, Joe Crawford, Dan Crawford, Ryan Moore, Collin Moore, Landon Moore, Will Dawson, and Macy Cordray; as well as many great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jon is preceded in death by his brother, David Rickenberg; and brothers-in-law, Stewart Wilkins and Tom Fronce. Everyone who knew Jon knew that he was an extremely kind, loving, and easy-going soul. He will be forever missed by his family and friends. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life gathering in loving memory of Jon. Join us to enjoy a spring day at Oak Openings Metropark Lodge, Whitehouse, Ohio and an afternoon filled with good memories, stories, and laughter on May 1, 2026, from 4pm until 8pm. In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be made out to the Toledo Metropark Foundation. Online condolences may also be left for the family at rodenbergergray.com.

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Jon "Rock" Rickenberg

August 6, 1968 - January 23, 2026