Ricky Hohbein

Ricky Lee Hohbein, age 61, found peace in Heaven on January 19, 2021 after a courageous and hard-fought battle with early onset Alzheimer’s.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, January 25, 2021 at First Lutheran Church, Mandan, with Rev. Phil Leer officiating.  Masks are required. The service will be livestreamed at the bottom of Ricky’s obituary page on the funeral home website.  Inurnment will be at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Cremation has taken place and the family will greet friends on Sunday, January 24, 2021 from 3 to 5 PM at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, Mandan.  The family requests that all guests wear masks.

Ricky was born February 9, 1959 in Dickinson to Raymond and Marian (Wolf) Hohbein.  His family moved to Mandan when he was in grade school and Ricky graduated from Mandan High School in 1977.  Ricky belonged to the Mandan Wrestling Club and was co-captain his senior year.  He took first place at State in the 119# weight class and his team also took the first place State trophy that year.  40 years later, in 2017, his team was recognized and inducted into the ND Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Ricky began working in 1976 with the BNSF Railroad, following the footsteps of his Dad and other family members.  His work with them spanned 38 years until he was no longer able to work due to his health.  He was married in 1978 and had 2 sons, Derrick and Mitchell.  Ricky loved nothing more than spending time with his kids and family.  During any family get together, Ricky could be found playing on the floor with the kids and always had licorice in his pocket to hand out to grandkids, nieces, or nephews.  No stranger to hard work, Ricky was often the first to volunteer to help his family or friends move, shingle, build decks or garages, or anything else he could lend a hand to.  He was not a big man, but had a huge heart.

Ricky married his best friend, Julie (Caussyn) Tokach in 2003 and a new chapter in life began.  He had a passion for woodworking and his lifelong dream was fulfilled when Ricky and Julie built their home on some land in an area with a lot of family history - and a nice large woodworking shop.  They both loved dogs and life became very interesting after adopting 2 rescues that became “their girls”.  Together they spent countless hours establishing their property and many evenings and weekends were spent on a garden tractor.  Sunday’s, however, were set aside as a day of rest - meaning church, family, and football.  Ricky’s other passion was as a die-hard NFL football fan, specifically a lifelong Raiders fan in good times and in bad.  For the most part, Ricky was a quiet guy until a bad call was made on the football field, and then watch out!

When health became an issue and saying goodbye to the “farm” was necessary, Ricky and Julie were blessed to spend more time with family and watch the grandkids school and sports activities.  He was so proud of them and loved attending basketball, soccer, football, or baseball games.  Ricky loved his family and his life.  He was a strong man and fought a difficult battle.  He never forgot those he loved and though he has now left for a more peaceful place, he will always be with us.

Ricky is survived by his wife, Julie; his sons, Derrick (Tracy) and Mitchell (Danielle) Hohbein; step-son, Chad Tokach; grandchildren, Abby, Ayden, Annyka, Aria, and Brynn; his mother, Marian Hohbein; siblings, Beverly (Tom) Krous, Allen “Butch” (Lynn) Hohbein, Randy (Cheryl) Hohbein, and Kim (Lorene) Hohbein; along with many nieces and nephews who he cherished.

Ricky was preceded in death by his father, Ray Hohbein; an infant brother, Bruce; and nephew, Travis Hohbein.

Memorials are preferred to the Central Dakota Humane Society or the Mandan Wrestling Club.