Richard P. Siktberg

RICHARD P. SIKTBERG age 89, passed away October 27, 2022. He was happily married for 60 years to the love of his life, Vera (née) Bailes, who preceded him in death on December, 2, 2020. He is also predeceased by his parents, William and Hattie (née Handorf) of Bennetts Switch, IN.

Richard is survived by his two sons, Robert (Robin) Siktberg, of Chardon, OH, and Mark (Solange) Siktberg of New Smyrna Beach, FL. He adored his five grandchildren, Eric, Lauren, Natalie, and Abbey Siktberg, and Caitlyn (Jordan) Gribble, along with his great-granddaughter, Aaliyah Gribble.

Rich was born in Chicago, IL on February 5, 1933. Upon graduation from Fenger High School, he continued his education at Purdue University where he earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. Rich was hired as an electrical engineer at Lincoln Electric Co. Shortly after beginning his employment, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy and served as an airplane electrician in Norfolk, VA, for two years. He returned to Lincoln after his service and stayed there for his entire 40-year career, rising to Assistant Chief Engineer before retiring in 1995.

After retirement, Rich and Vera enjoyed traveling with friends and relatives and spent five months of every year at their second home in New Smyrna Beach, FL, where family and friends were always welcome. They loved walking the beach and Rich enjoyed emailing weather reports back north to their snowbound friends.

Rich and Vera were early and devoted members of Shoregate United Methodist Church in Willowick, Ohio, and they were active volunteers there. Rich held several committee positions within the church. In Florida, they attended the Coronado United Methodist Church, and they made many friends through their activities in both churches.

Rich was a devoted dad to his two sons and was proud of both of them; he was an enthusiastic supporter of their activities and accomplishments. He particularly enjoyed coaching Mark’s Little League baseball teams. Rich also became a Buckeye fan (except when they played Purdue) due to Bob’s involvement with the marching band. He and Vera attended most home games and several bowl games when Bob was in college.

His grandchildren will remember the grandpa who took them to McDonalds, to feed the ducks in the park, who played ping-pong in the basement and who drove them to many of their activities when their parents could not. Rich attended as many of their events as he could. Rich was a wonderful photographer and everyone in his orbit was appreciative of the beautiful photos he took. He was a rock of love and stability to everyone in the family. At holidays Rich could be counted on to be an appreciative audience for a good story and might tell a few of his own.

Rich was a smart engineer and an early adopter of the latest technology. Even in his late 80s, he was staying connected with far-flung friends and family by email, posting on social media, texting, or searching the internet on his iPhone.

A gentleman always, Rich was always happy to help his family even in difficult times, and he was gracious about receiving it. He will be tremendously missed.

Contributions in Rich’s honor can be made to Shoregate United Methodist Church (440-943-0382) or to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org.

Funeral Service Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 10 AM at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91).

A burial of both Vera and Rich’s urn will follow at Knollwood Cemetery.