Ricky L. Shulk

Ricky ‘Rick’ Lee Shulk of Grand Ridge, IL passed away peacefully at the age of 66 Wednesday January 29, 2025 at St. Anthony Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Rick was born January 30, 1958 and spent his early years in Rockdale, Il – where he was a graduate of Joliet West High School in 1976. Rick worked as a professional redimix driver for: Star Concrete, American Redimix, Valley Concrete and finally Prairie Concrete before continuing his skilled driving with Grainco FS in Minooka, until his retirement in 2023. 

Rick took great pleasure in Muskie fishing; specifically on the Middle Eau Claire Lake in Hayward, Wisconsin where many family vacations were spent. Willy is a name that may not mean much to most but to Rick it was one of his proudest achievements – Willy being the name of the largest recorded Muskie caught in the state of Wisconsin in the year 1995. Ricks other pleasures in life were abundant, but in some way always included his family. Many hours were spent on the sidelines coaching basketball, or even logging hundreds of miles to and from the next horse show. Away from the competition, boating on the river during the summer was where you could find him with his family. His family was always the center of it all, even when it came to adding to the ‘fur family,’ the answer was never ‘no’. After his retirement, Rick loves his life on the farm in Grand Ridge where he took great pride in caring for his horses and chickens. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Barbara ‘Barb’ (nee Williams) and his children, Joshua (Jen nee Szwedo) Shulk, Megan (Dusty) Whitten, and Kaitlin (Aaron) Schuck. Rick was a loving and devoted Grampy to Joie and soon to be born granddaughter Madilynn Kaylee. Rick was proceeded in death by his best bud and four legged companion, Dexter, his Jack Russel, who he is united with again eternally. 

Visitation for Ricky ‘Rick’ Lee Shulk will be held Monday February 3, 2025 at the Blackburn – Giegerich – Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Rd Joliet, IL from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a short prayer service to follow. Please dress in casual attire. At his request, cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Muskies, Inc. Fisheries Fund. https://muskiesinc.org/public/miWdonate