Obituary
Richard L. Jackson
MSGT Richard Lee “Rick” Jackson, USAF ret. of Sparta, WI passed away February 24, 2023 at his home of natural causes.
Rick was born to Hubert and Allie (Craft) Jackson on March 29, 1952 at St. Catherine’s hospital in East Chicago, Indiana. He grew up in Hammond, Indiana, and joined the U.S. Air Force in 1970 at the age of 18. He received many commendations over his 20 years of service as a Security Police Officer. Rick was stationed in Vietnam for a time, which took a toll on both his physical and mental health. The “Welcome Home” wasn’t what it should have been. He still insisted that everyone needed to join the Air Force. He retired as a Master Sergeant in 1990.
Rick spent the next 26 years as a civilian police officer at Fort McCoy, where he retired as a Captain -Community Liaison Specialist. It seemed as if everyone at Ft McCoy knew “Action Jackson.” Rick received many commendations as a police officer at Fort McCoy, including the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service. Rick coordinated DES services for many special events, such as the Fort McCoy Open House, Day for Kids, Easter Egg Hunt, Wellness Fair and Army Birthday. Rick worked many hours to support the MWR Army Concert. He was responsible for coordinating front stage, backstage and talent security. Over the years, he got to meet quite the talent and even got to hold ZZ Top’s guitar! Rick always possessed a strong work ethic and was extremely passionate about serving our country.
Rick loved Notre Dame, the Chicago Bears, the White Sox, Boxing, MMA, and NASCAR. Depending on the season “Go Irish” or “Da Bears” could be heard throughout the entire house. There was also an ongoing joke about a divided family as Rick was a huge Jeff Gordon fan (with all the apparel to match) and his wife, Judy was a Dale Earnhardt Jr fan. Rick enjoyed traveling to the NASCAR races in Bristol, TN and vacationing to Puerto Rico and Orange Beach, AL until his health declined in recent years. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, cooking, watching movies and cheeseburgers!
Rick married Penny Frisk (Ferguson) in 1973 and in 1979, they were blessed with a son while stationed in England. They later divorced.
Rick married Judith (Lueck) in 2004 and gained 2 bonus daughters. He also became a bonus Grandpa and just last year a Great Grandpa.
Rick is survived by his Wife- Judy, Children- Varian Jackson (Tomah), Karie Sullivan (James Gundlach) (La Crosse), Kelly Olson(Tim Coupe Jr) (Black River Falls); Grandchildren- Andrew Olson, Benjamin Sullivan, Zayden Hesselberg, Timmy Coupe and Great Grandson- Aliahs Olson.
He is also survived by his Brothers- Ronald (Shirley) Jackson, Danny (Penny) Jackson. Sister- Teresa (Bill Rabjohn) Jackson. Sister in laws- Lyn (Rick) Koller, Jean (Dan Ferries) Lunde, Nikki (Steve) Oesterle; Mischell Markin, Terri (Roger) Kendhammer. Brother in laws-Michael (Mary) Antony, Nick Dunnum (Cindy Puent) , Scott (Amy) Dunnum.
Friend Rusty Frisk who he considered a brother. And many former co-workers and friends.
Rick was preceded in death by his Parents- Hubert and Allie Jackson, Brother- Michael Jackson; Brother in laws- Steve Lunde, Patrick Lueck, Ronald Lueck and Ricky Frisk. Granddaughter -Kaliya Sullivan
Rick also leaves behind his furry best friend Naughty Kitty and Grand-dog Princess.
A Celebration of Life will be held March 29, 2023 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the Sparta American Legion Post 100 (1116 Angelo Rd, Sparta, WI 54656). In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Sparta TNR (www. spartatnr.com), and Sparta Chasing Daylight (www.chasingdaylight.com)
Sending prayers and much love for Judith and family ..
R.I.P Action Jackson we got the watch from here.
I am so saddened to hear this. My deepest condolences to all of his family and friends.
Heartfelt condolences to all the family
Loved Rick! He always had a great sense of humor and loved you so much. He always was concerned about others and always had kind words to say. He loved reminiscing about his time in the service. We had such a good time in Arizona visiting the Missile site he guarded, Mount Rushmore, Orange Beach, AL (fishing every day), Las Vegas, and Puerto Rico. He had such a great time traveling and enjoying seeing the sites. Love you sis! RIP Rick, thanks for all the memories! ?
Judy,
I am sending you thoughts of love and support for you loss of your husband. You are in my thoughts and in my heart. Kathy Galvez. (Hovde) From our wonderful days of living at Wagon Wheel.
Judy,
Knowing you from working together at La Crosse County, I was not surprised at all to read what an extraordinary man your husband was. He served his country, served people in need in our world, and loved you, his family and all people he had contact with. And he seemed to love and live life to the fullest. You were blessed to have each other.
We salute him for his military service and sacrifice.
We are sad for you all who love him so much. Honor his memory.
May he rest in God’s Eternal light.
?✝️☮️
I am so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I had the pleasure of working many MWR functions with him including the Command Post for the Amy Concerts and his involvement in the Fort McCoy Child and Youth Services program. He was a huge asset to the entire installation. I wish he had more years to enjoy his retirement.
Hey Judy,
I didn’t know your Rick but he sounds like one heck of a quality human being. No wonder you two were together. God bless you and your family, today, and in the days ahead.