Ricky O. Svennes

After a life filled with love and kindness, Ricky Odell Svennes, peacefully left this earth for a better place on Friday, January 23, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 52 years young.

Rick was born on August 14, 1973, to Phyllis (Bjerke) and Arvid Svennes. He grew up on a farm in Toronto, South Dakota, the youngest of eight siblings in a proud Norwegian family. Rick cherished his upbringing in a small community and loved helping on the farm alongside his siblings.

Rick graduated from Deubrook High School in White, South Dakota, in 1991, and went on to attend South Dakota State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics. He continued his education with a Master of Business Administration from Baker University and also held a Master’s Certificate in Project Management.

Rick began his professional career in 1997 at Wausau Financial Systems as an Implementation Specialist, a role that relocated him from South Dakota to Wisconsin. While in Wisconsin, he met the love of his life and future wife, Christine. His career in information technology later took him to Dallas, Texas, and Overland Park, Kansas, before returning to Wisconsin in 2004. At the time of his passing, Rick was happily employed at Optum as a Senior Technical Program Manager.

Rick and Christine were married on August 28, 1999, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Together they built a wonderful life and raised two beautiful daughters, Linnea and Annika, in Wausau. Rick was deeply committed to giving back to his community, especially to the Catholic Church and Newman Catholic Schools, where he passionately volunteered his time on the finance committee, education commission, and strategic planning committees.

Rick loved sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for sports by coaching his daughters in soccer, volleyball, and basketball. He developed a special love for volleyball and went on to coach at the high school level for Newman Catholic for six years. A devoted sports fan, Rick was especially passionate about the Green Bay Packers and was well known for making his family endure his legendary Packers parody songs during timeouts, a tradition that began while he and Christine lived in Dallas and became a cherished family memory.

One favorite story recalled by his family is a camping trip to Madeline Island, where they found themselves on the service-less sands of Lake Superior wishing for music. When asked what he had downloaded, Rick proudly played an hour of Packers parodies as he and Annika tossed a frisbee in the freezing water, while Christine and Linnea laughed from the shore.

Rick treasured his seven siblings and their close-knit bond, faithfully catching up through weekly Zoom calls and eagerly anticipating their annual week-long summer reunions.

Rick truly loved life. He was a special human being with a wonderful sense of humor and a gift for making people smile with his classic dad jokes. He loved golfing with his wife and daughters, camping in Door County and other Wisconsin state parks, enjoying outdoor activities with his family, playing catch with Annika, hiking with Linnea, working in the yard with Christine, and relaxing on their patio alongside Princess, the family dog. He was a very intelligent man and problem solver, he was always happy to help his girls, and many others he loved, with any issue.

Rick also found joy in supporting athletes of all ages, helping at camps and organizing elementary and middle school summer volleyball leagues at Newman, instilling a love for the game in countless young athletes.

After being diagnosed with brain cancer in March of 2025, Rick faced his journey with Norwegian wit, humor, and a gracious heart. Throughout his fight he remained comedic and selfless, helping his family stay strong and supportive with endless hours of laughter.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends, neighbors and loved ones who supported them through this journey. Special thanks to UW Health Neurology, Aspirus Cancer Center, and Home Health for the compassionate care given to Ricky.

Survivors include wife, Christine (Glodowski) Svennes, daughters, Linnea Svennes (Jacob Hause) and Annika Svennes. Brothers, Allen (Pat) Svennes, Lanny (Gayleen) Svennes and Philip (Jodie) Svennes. Sisters, Peggy Raine, Lori (Keith) Willemssen, Sue (Curt) Nomeland and Mary (Mike) Shupe. Mother-in-law, Tharsilla Glodowski, brothers-in-law, Phillip (Katie) Glodowski and Matthew (Jolene) Glodowski. Sisters-in-law, Georgann Mackie, Patrice Wasmundt, and Leanne Jeidy. Along with many nieces and nephews that he adored. Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Arvid and Phyllis Svennes.

He will be missed forever.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 621 2nd Street, Wausau, with Rev. Allan Slowiak presiding. Visitation will begin at 8:00 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. Private burial will take place at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.