Wayne Eugene Rickel, age 75 of LeRoy, passed away July 16 2014 at his home with his family at his side. He was born March 3, 1939 in Romulus the son of the late Carl and Marie (Friend) Rickel. He married Julia Ann Gasper on March 30, 1957. Wayne was a journeyman welder and an airplane pilot. He worked as a maintenance welder for Ford Motor Company, retiring after 34 years of service. He enjoyed the outdoors and piloting airplanes. He was a member of the MANG Aero Club. He is survived by his wife, Julia of 57 years; sons, Jeffrey (Amy), Blane (Kim) and Erik (Kim); grandchildren, Damon (Jessica), Benjamin (Ony), Stephanie (Paul), Brett (Ashley), Jared and Chloѐ; and great-grandchildren, Isabel, Sadie, Logan, Elayna, Sofia, Easton and Levi. Cremation has taken place and private family services will be held at a later date. Please visit Wayne’s personal page of memories at www.oakgrovefh.com to share a story or photo with his family. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Manistee.