Ricketts Family Genealogy & History

Edward Flanders Robb Ricketts, an influential American marine biologist, ecologist, and philosopher, is best known for his groundbreaking work in intertidal ecology with the 1939 publication "Between Pacific Tides." He was the inspiration for Doc in John Steinbeck's "Cannery Row" and co-authored "Sea of Cortez" with Steinbeck. Although Steinbeck later reissued it as "The Log from the Sea of Cortez," removing Ricketts as coauthor, Ricketts' contributions remained integral. His friendship and collaboration with Steinbeck were noteworthy, marked by mutual intellectual curiosity and support.

Born in Chicago, Ricketts was the son of Abbott Ricketts and Alice Beverly Flanders Ricketts. He had a younger sister, Frances, and a brother, Thayer. Ricketts married Anna Barbara Makar, daughter of Croatian immigrants, and they had three children: Edward Jr., Nancy Jane, and Cornelia.

Pete Ricketts is a prominent American businessman and politician currently serving as the junior United States senator from Nebraska since 2023. A Republican, he was the 40th governor of Nebraska from 2015 to 2023. Ricketts, part owner of the Chicago Cubs, co-founded the Platte Institute for Economic Research and served in executive roles at TD Ameritrade, a company founded by his father, Joe Ricketts. His political career includes a 2014 gubernatorial victory and a special election win in 2024 to complete Ben Sasse's Senate term. Ricketts is known for his conservative policies, including budget approvals, tax cuts, and support for capital punishment.

Pete Ricketts was born in Nebraska City on August 19, 1964, as the eldest of four children to Joe Ricketts and Marlene Volkmer Ricketts. Joe Ricketts founded First Omaha Securities, later known as TD Ameritrade, while Marlene was a teacher. The Ricketts family moved to Omaha, where Pete and his siblings, Tom, Laura, and Todd, attended Westside High School. The family's business prowess and political involvement have been significant, with Pete Ricketts following in his father's entrepreneurial footsteps and making substantial contributions to Nebraska's political landscape.

Thomas S. Ricketts is a prominent figure in the sports and finance industry, serving as the chairman of the Chicago Cubs and co-founder of Incapital LLC. Ricketts played a crucial role in the acquisition of the Cubs, leading a family bid in 2009 that valued the team at approximately $900 million. Under his leadership, the Cubs underwent significant renovations to Wrigley Field, enhancing both the stadium and surrounding areas. His commitment to the Cubs is rooted in a lifelong passion for the team, dating back to his college days at the University of Chicago.

Thomas S. Ricketts was born in Omaha, Nebraska, to Marlene Margaret (Volkmer) and Joe Ricketts, the founder of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation. He is one of four siblings who share ownership of the Chicago Cubs through their family trust. His brother Pete Ricketts has held prominent political roles, including Governor of Nebraska and U.S. Senator. The Ricketts family is known for its significant contributions to business and politics, with each member establishing independent career paths.

Joe Ricketts is a prominent American businessman, recognized for founding TD Ameritrade and various other ventures like DNAinfo.com and The American Film Company. With a net worth of $4.1 billion as of 2024, Ricketts has significantly impacted the business world. His family's ownership of the Chicago Cubs since 2009 culminated in a World Series win in 2016, ending a 108-year drought. Ricketts is also known for his philanthropy through several foundations and his launch of Straight Arrow News in 2021, highlighting his diverse entrepreneurial spirit.

John Joseph Ricketts was born in Nebraska City, Nebraska, to Florence M. (Erhart) and Donavon Platte Ricketts. Raised Catholic, he met his wife Marlene Margaret (Volkmer) at St. Bernard's Academy, and together they have four children: Pete, Thomas, Laura, and Todd.