Ricky Edwin Walz May 8, 1958- Sept. 26, 2022

Lerna- Ricky Edwin Walz, 64, of rural Lerna, passed away at 8:30 PM Monday, Sept. 26, 2022 at Barnes
Hospital, St. Louis, MO. After a brief illness. He was born May 8, 1958, in Danville, IL. to Cecil and Matel
Walz. Rick married MaryAnn Kinkin Walz on Dec. 20, 1980, in Spring Valley, IL. He is survived by his wife,
MaryAnn and daughter Ashley.
Ricky attended Danville Public School and graduated in 1976. He accepted a track and field scholarship
to Bradley University graduating with a BA in 1980. Rick was an outstanding athlete in shot, discus, and
hammer throw. He was A Missouri Valley Champion, Orville Northrup Award winner and still holds the
university record.

After graduating, he married MaryAnn, his college sweetheart. In 1983, they were blessed with a
beautiful girl, Ashley Louise. She was the light of his life. Ashley and her husband, John Mark Murphy
added three amazing grandchildren, Charlotte 13, Conrad 11, and Callaham 7. Rick loved his extended
family. Those included his older brother Lester Walz, niece Tammy Wright (John), nephew Lonnie Walz,
brother-in-law Frederic Kinkin (Mary Ruth), brother-in-law Patrick (Patricia), nieces and nephews Patrick
and Amy Kinkin, Freddie and Lori Kinkin, Michael and Erin Kinkin, Jesi and Michael Dergance,
Sarah and Casey Crotz, and Tony and Kelsey Kinkin. And John Hays, (Patti) who was like a brother. Family
was most important to Rick.

The food service industry and cooking was Rick’s chosen career. He was employed by Marriott Corp.,
Yum Foods, Lovington School District, and Charleston CUSD.

When he was not working, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, Civil War history, chess, telling a good story, and
lots of laughter. He also loved his hunting dogs.

Rick is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and follows the plan of our Heavenly
Father. Rick was preceded in death by his brother, Lester.

Those who knew Rick know how he felt about funerals. Per his wishes, he will be cremated with no
funeral. A celebration of his life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made
to Charleston High School Food Pantry. Memorial to honor Rick may be made to Charleston High School
Home Ec. Class to enrich the culinary arts, or a charity of your choice.

“Each day, try to do something good for someone else.” -Rick