A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Laura H. Ricker will be at 10:30am, Saturday August 18, 2012 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Rochester, MN (11 4 ^th Ave SW). Reverend John LaSuba will officiate. Friends and family may call for visitation from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, August 17, 2012 at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Laura Helen Ricker, age 82 of Rochester passed away on Monday, August 13, 2012 at Golden Living Center East after an evening meal with her friends. She was born on October 22, 1929 in Ward Springs, Minnesota and ultimately graduated from the Rochester School of Vocational Nursing in 1948. She worked with vascular, colon, and orthopedic patients, and in 1981 joined the staff of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit until retirement.

Throughout her 35 years working at St. Mary's Hospital, she was privileged to witness construction of the Domitilla, Alfred and Mary Brigh buildings. Laura's philosophy was to treat each patient individually as if she was treating Jesus himself.

When not at work, Laura enjoyed reading, walking, listening to classical music, and partying with friends and relatives. She could tell a lot of great stories and jokes, and had a great sense of humor.  Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Casper and Mathilda Ricker, brothers Bernard, Richard, Roman, Alfred, Hubert and Sylvester, sisters Jenny, Rose, Olivia, Florence, Alice, Lorena, Regina and Rita. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Memorials are preferred to the Sisters of Saint Frances at Assisi Heights. Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements, and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.