Rick Edward Knickelbein, age 58, of Mauston, Wisconsin passed away at home on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, surrounded by family and friends after a very strong fight with brain cancer.

Rick was born May 14, 1967 in Mauston, Wisconsin, the son of Edward and Pauline (Frank) Knickelbein. In Rick's early years he grew up in Mauston and moved around the area but stayed close to home. He went to Mauston high school where he made lifelong friendships with his classmates. Then, out of a 5 year engagement to Tara Fuhrman he was blessed with a son, Tanner.

He later met the love of his life Stacy Kalepp, who were then united in marriage on Dec 31, 2000. He wanted to get married on New Year's Eve so they could "bring it in with a bang every year." Rick was blessed with a step-daughter, Alysha Kalepp (Lyon). Soon after, Alexis Knickelbein was born into the family.

The family grew roots in many places across the country. They lived in Reedsburg WI, LaValle WI, Moran WY, Omaha NE, then came back to Reedsburg. Most recently they established a successful ice cream shoppe in Reedsburg WI, 'Double Dip' and built Rick's dream home by the Lemonweir River. The last five years of his life, Rick drew close to Jesus.

He was somewhat of a jokester, had a huge personality, a twinkle in his eye, and was a Mopar king. He was a jack of all trades. He would say "master of none" but we feel he mastered everything he did. He loved most, the company of his wife, his family and friends. He built classic cars, drove semi, and could build almost anything including 9 complete homes, all remodeled while his family lived through the dust. He loved many things including hunting, a walk in the woods, cutting wood, going to car shows, riding motorcycles, and could entertain anyone – he loved to make people laugh and was not one to take life for granted. He truly lived life to the fullest every day, living many lives.

He is survived by his wife Stacy; son Tanner; daughters, Alexis Knickelbein and Alysha Kalepp (Jerod Lyon); grandsons Jack Lyon and Colter Carlson; sister Michele Knickelbein (Robert Solinski); nephew Jason Solinski; great-nephew, Harvey Solinski; mother-in-law Bonita Clary and father-in-law Charles Clary; father-in-law Ronald Schreiner. He is preceded in death by his mother and father Edward and Pauline Knickelbein.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. at New Life Assembly of God Church in Reedsburg, Wisconsin with Pastor Clark Peterson officiating. Visitations will be held on Friday at Conway-Picha Funeral Home in Lyndon Station from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday at New Life Assembly of God Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 Noon. Burial will be at Lindina-Evergreen Cemetery in Mauston (Lindina Township) WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the family would be greatly appreciated. https://gofund.me/826e90fcd