Louis George Rickl

Louis George Rickl passed away at the Vermont Veterans Home on February 20, 2021, three hours shy of his 89th birthday. He was born on February 21, 1932 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a Korean War Veteran, earning a Purple Heart for injuries received in battle. After leaving the Army, he served as a Merchant Marine, traveling the globe for decades. He finished his career working for the US Post Office in Ohio. Louie was a free spirit, loving travel of any kind. New York City was his main port where he reveled in being part of the beat generation of Greenwich Village. As such, he was honored to be a pallbearer alongside Allen Ginsberg for Jack Kerouc’s funeral. Louie spoke Czech, Spanish, English, and Japanese. He loved animals, particularly horses, cats, and dogs and spent much time working at racetracks as a young man. He continued to care for horses throughout his life. He loved to put up bluebird houses that dotted the local landscape. He also was proud of being part of the effort to have Red Cloud, a Native American fellow Korean War soldier, honored with a US postage stamp for extreme valor and self-sacrifice. Louis was predeceased by his wife Hannah Barrow Rickl, his parents George and Barbara Rickl, who were Czecheslovakian immigrants, and many beloved pets. He is survived by his stepdaughter Marcia Contarino, her husband Antony, and their children; his stepson Robert Gual, his wife Wendy, and their children. He will have a deep sea burial.