Ricky Roland Karenke, 61, of Elkhart passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 surrounded by his family at his home.

Ricky was born in Elkhart, IN on December 30, 1962 to Richard "Dick" Karenke and Doris J. (Koontz) Karenke. He married the love of his life, Mary (James) Karenke on April 22, 1994 in St. Croix, Virgin Islands.

Ricky is preceded in death by his mother, Doris J. Karenke on August 31, 2023.

Ricky is survived by his wife, Mary Karenke of Elkhart; father, Dick Karenke of Elkhart; son, Dustin W. (Katelyn) Harding of Cassopolis, MI; brother, Darren Karenke of Elkhart; grandchildren, Smith Leonard and Haisley James.

And a special thank you to some close family friends, Colleen Crawford and Josephine Markley; and his care givers, Doris Stewart and Tamara Cassity that he was very fond of.

Ricky graduated from Elkhart Memorial High School in the class of 1981. He was a hard-working salesman in local companies, ProAir, Temple Products of IN, RFD Components, retiring from Tredit Tire and Wheel after 18 years. He was a loyal and dependable coworker until his last day.

Ricky was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and mushroom hunting. If there was a lake, river or ocean, Ricky found solace in it.

In his early years, Ricky watched NASCAR races. He was an avid life long Green Bay Packers fan. Ricky enjoyed travelling with his family in the Caribbean and Mexico relaxing by the beach.

Ricky had a big smile and enjoyed joking with the ones he loved. He was a "no nonsense, tell it like it is" man. Despite his stubbornness, he was a wonderful father and husband, and he always knew the perfect gift to give someone.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held from 1:00pm to 5:00pm, Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Simonton Lake Sportsman Club, 51036 County Road 11, Elkhart, IN 46514.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the family.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Alzheimer's Association or Humane Society of Elkhart County.

For those that wish to send a condolence or share a memory may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.