Ricky G Maitland Sr.

Ricky Gene Maitland Sr., known to friends and family as Rick packed up his tackle box and set off into the sunset on October 4th, 2024. Born on March 23rd, 1948, in the modest town of Lead, South Dakota, Rick's story became one for the books as he took his last peaceful breath in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, surrounded by the love of his family, after a lifetime of laughter and fishing tales.

Rick was a man who never needed a compass because his heart always pointed true north. After graduating from high school, he served his country with pride as an Army veteran, and later, he turned blocks of metal into works of art as a CNC machinist. His hands were as skilled at crafting a wooden masterpiece as they were at reeling in the big one that, unlike most fishermen's tales, was as big as he claimed.

He was the loving patriarch of a family that was more tightly knit than one of his woodworking projects. While his beloved wife Shelly, son Jeff, and daughter Judy all set off on their own eternal adventures before him, his legacy thrives through his son Ricky G. Maitland Jr., and daughter-in-law Marisol Maitland, as well as his daughter and son-in-law Angela and Mark Sharp. His stepchildren, Todd and Marcie Pichler, and Shae and Karl Schmidtke, also carry on the Maitland tradition of humor and heart. Rick's grandchildren, Jenna, Joey, Caleb, Ella, Daniel, Sam, Katie, Hailli, Austin, Rachel, and Lillian, will no doubt inherit his wise-cracking wit and love for the great outdoors.

Rick's siblings, Penny, Mike, Chuckie, and Jerrell, were his comrades in arms in the battle against boredom, always ready with a quip or a prank to keep life interesting.

A man of many interests, Rick could often be found with a fishing rod in one hand and a rock hammer in the other. He was a maestro of the garden, a hunter with a heart, and a Packers fan louder than any cheesehead in the stands. And let's not forget his woodworking – he could make a tree blush with his carving skills.

Rick was the kind of man who could fix anything, except maybe a Packer's losing streak. He was as loving as a puppy, as wise as an owl, and as funny as a squirrel on water skis. His humor was the glue that held the family together, and his jokes will echo in their hearts forever.

The world was Rick's comedy club, and he left it with more laughter than when he entered. He was a man who never met a stranger, just friends he hadn't shared a joke with yet. To say he will be missed is an understatement as peaceful as the lake he loved to fish.

Rick Maitland lived a life as full and vibrant as a garden in full bloom. He made every day count, and though he's cast his final line, his stories, his laughter, and the love he gave so freely will forever ripple through the lives of those who were privileged to know him.

So, raise a glass, tip your hat, and maybe tell a little joke in honor of Rick. He wouldn't have wanted tears unless they were from laughing too hard. Ricky Gene Maitland Sr., you were truly one of a kind, and your final curtain call is met with a standing ovation. Thank you for the memories, the lessons, and the joy. Tight lines and clear skies, dear Rick, until we all meet again.