Alvin L. Ricker was born December 3, 1921, at Bellefont, Kansas, the son
   of John Ricker and Anna (Miller) Ricker, the eldest of four sons and three
   daughters. He was baptized by Pastor P.G. Krause at the Zion Lutheran Church,
   Bellefont, Kansas, and was confirmed by Pastor Peter Juergensen, Immanuel
   Lutheran Church, Chase, Kansas, on May 7, 1937.
     Ethel M. Ricker was born June 27, 1924, at Odin, Kansas, the daughter of
   Emil Zecha and Mary (Kinzel) Zecha. She was one of four daughters and five
   sons.
     They were married October 22, 1945, at Ellinwood, Kansas. Alvin was still
   serving in the Army Air Corps at the time of the marriage. He served forty
   two months from 1942 until 1946. They have two children, James Robert Ricker
   and Rebecca Ann Smith. They have one grandson and three granddaughters.
     Ethel graduated from nurse training at St. Joseph Hospital School of 
   Nursing, Kansas City, Missouri, as a registered nurse. She worked as a nurse
   at Sterling, Stafford and Attica, Kansas, from 1947 until 1977.
     After leaving the service, Alvin was employed as manager of Farmer 
   Cooperatives for thirty-six years at Alden, Stafford and Zenda, Kansas.
     They moved to Zenda, Kansas, in May 1962 and Alvin was employed as manager
   of Zenda Grain and Supply Company, May 1962. At that time, he transferred
   his membership from Trinity Lutheran Church, Colby, Kansas, to St. John's
   Lutheran Church, Nashville, Kansas. He served as secretary for twelve years
   and is now serving on the board of trustees.
     Since both Ethel and Alvin have retired, they are enjoying their grand-
   children and their hobbies. They both like to garden and to help others.
   Ethel also has a doll collection and Alvin likes to hunt and fish when he
   has time.
   
                       
  Source:St. John's Lutheran Church Centennial 1893-1993, Nashville, Kansas, pg. 84 
  Submitted by: Alvin L. Ricker