Ursula M. Rykert

July 20, 1939 – August 6, 2025

Please join us to celebrate her life on Thursday August 14, 2025 at St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 W Centre Ave., Portage, Michigan, 49024. Visitation- 9:30am; Mass of Christian Burial- 10:30am; Luncheon- 11:30; Interment- 1:30pm Fort Custer National Cemetery. For those unable to attend, the Mass will be livestreamed on the church website https://stcatherinesiena.org/mass and a recording will also be made available there. Memorial contributions may be given to Weavers Guild of Kalamazoo (PO Box 2795, Kalamazoo, MI 49003). You may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.

Obituary

Ursula Maria (Neuner) Rykert, age 86, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Ursula was born on July 20, 1939 in Aschaffenburg, Germany, the second of three daughters of Joseph and Maria (Sommer) Neuner. She fell in love with Maurice Rykert and they married on June 24, 1961 in Williamston, Michigan. Surviving Ursula are her husband, two children: Matthias (Raji) Rykert, Uta (Steve) Turcotte; 5 grandchildren: Joshua Turcotte, Gabriela Rykert, Daniel Rykert, Natasha (Robbie) DePalma, Michaela (James) Singell; 3 great-grandchildren: Chloe DePalma, Zoey DePalma, Asher DePalma; sister Barbara Schott; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter Alina Rykert; sister Rosemarie Wirthwein. Ursula was trained in the medical and science fields, worked as a lab technician, and retired from the Upjohn Co. (Pfizer). She was an active charter member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, taught young children, welcomed new members, and prepared her famous cucumber salad for funeral luncheons, among many other ministries. She loved taking classes at the Kalamazoo Institute of Art including human sculpture, charcoal, pastels, and ceramics. Ursula was very proud to have one of the two busts of her children selected from hundreds of artistic works and was on display at the KIA . In 1983 she joined the Weavers Guild of Kalamazoo and wove beautiful items on the two looms her husband purchased for her. Ursula\'s life was filled with family, friends and God. A highlight of her grandchildren was to select a theme for each birthday so Ursula could surprise them with a beautifully decorated birthday cake that she created. Ursula always kept her German family close to her heart and looked forward to visiting them as often as she could. She impacted many lives with her love, compassion, and hospitality. She will be deeply missed.

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Linda Mellinger
1 year ago

I’m sad to say so long to my long time dear friend of 60 years. But it’s not a good bye. I’m thankful to God we shall meet again. I am so blessed that she was brought into my life as neighbors, leading to a lifetime of friendship. I shall always be thankful and thankful for all the memories we shared. Rest in heaven, until we meet again. Much love, hugs and prayers to her beloved family.

Toni Horsch
1 year ago

I am so sorry for the loss of Ursula. Mr. Rykert, you and your family will be in my prayers. It has been many years since having the joy of talking with her but will always remember how she made me smile. Such a wonderful hostess. I know she is in her heavenly home now.

Monica Harris
1 year ago

I had the honor of meeting Ursula through her dear friend, Rita, and I fell in love with her smile immediately. We loved knitting and laughing together. Ursula always supported my art endeavors and now, learning of her history, I consider it a blessing that she leaned into what I tried. I will miss her terribly.

Mary and Steve Clark
1 year ago

Maury & Ursula made a welcome visit to us when we first joined St. Catherine’s in 1993. Ursula was such a friendly, welcoming person and a fantastic cook. Our deepest sympathy. May the angels lead her to paradise

Schimp Family Dentistry
1 year ago

Sending our deepest condolences.