October 9, 2025 – Barton, Wi – Rhea Mae Dricken, nee Gadow, of Barton, died on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, on the feast day of St. Therese of Lisieux, at her home at the age of 97 years. She was born August 5, 1928, at home in Barton to the late Walter and Marcella (nee Wagner) Gadow, across the river from the Gadow family Barton Roller Mills.
She attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School, West Bend High School graduating with the Class of 1945 and Milwaukee State Teacher’s College, earning her teaching degree in 1949. She taught at Barton Elementary School as a Kindergarten and First Grade teacher.
On August 6, 1949, she was united in marriage to Leonard S. Dricken at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Together they built their home and owned and operated Lake Lenwood Beach and Campground until Len’s retirement in 1983. Len predeceased July 26, 1999.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where she sung with the choir since grade school and was the church organist for many decades, the Christian Women’s Confraternity, Barton VFW Auxiliary, a Cub Scout den leader, was a charter member of the Barton Historical Society serving as their secretary, and along with Len were charter members of WACO (Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners)
Survivors include 6 children: Jim, Tom (Myra), Kay, Mike (Mary), Diane (John) Flynn and John (Marea); 11 grandchildren Michael, Julie, Jenny, Chuck, Kate, Dan, Kathryn, Lisa, Grace, Reagan and Rhea; 16 great-grandchildren: Amelia, Joey, Norah, Lena, Josh, Bryce, Lucy, Leah, Stella, Hazel, Lincoln, Ivy, Daisy, Scotlyn, Wesley and Bennett; 1 brother John Gadow; 1 sister-in-law LaVerne Coon; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death a daughter-in-law Sandy Dricken, her stepmother Ione Gadow, brother Arnold (LaVerne), sister Kathryn “Kitty” (Fred, Sr. “Fritz”) Reimann and 2 sisters-in-law Pat Gadow and MaryAnn Gadow; 3 brothers-in-law William “Pucky” (Ann) Dricken, Raymond “Raymie” (Lu) Dricken and Jerry “Chezzy” (Betty) Dricken.
The family will greet relatives and friends during a period of visitation on Thursday, October 9 from 10 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery (new).
She was known by many and loved by all. Rhea always found the best in what life offered. Her positive spirit and how she treated others are examples that will live on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Schmidt Funeral Home is serving the family. Messages may be left in an online guestbook at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.
