Ricky “Rick” Birkett

Ricky W. “Rick” Birkett, 63, Greenwood, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at his mother’s home in Greenwood. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Greenwood. Rev. Elizabeth Bier will officiate, and a private burial for the family will follow in the Greenwood City Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, from 11:30 a.m. until time of service.

Ricky Wayne Birkett was born May 3, 1959, in Milwaukee. He was adopted by Wayne and Verna Birkett as an infant. Rick’s family moved to Greenwood when he was 8 years old, where he attended Greenwood public schools and graduated from Greenwood High School in May of 1977. Rick was a great three-sport athlete all through high school. Rick continued to play baseball and softball every ball season. He married his first wife, Cindy Denk on Oct. 15, 1981. They had two daughters. They later divorced. Rick worked mostly at Greenwood Milk Products Co-op and later Weathershield in Greenwood. In 2005, Rick moved to North Haven, Conn., where he married his second wife, Susan Palange. Rick survived a traumatic car accident on Nov. 16, 2009, and was hospitalized for two years. He fought through the next 13 years with various health obstacles. Rick resided in Connecticut until his wife, Susan, died unexpectedly on Jan. 26, 2020. Rick moved back to Greenwood on May 7, 2020, and resided with his mother.

Rick was an avid Brewers, Packers and Badgers fan. He is survived by his mother, Verna Birkett, Greenwood; two daughters, Brittan (Joe) Buettner of Cottage Grove and Elyse Birkett, Madison; three grandchildren, Roman, Noelle and Naomi Buettner; his sister: Darla (Scott) Abel, Greenwood; and many more extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his second wife, Susan Palange, and his father, Wayne Birkett.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.

PAID OBITUARY 130958