RIEKENA, Dick W. 1895-1977

RIEKENA, ECKHOFF, JOHNS, KNOLL

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 5/11/2019 at 09:10:36

Obituary of Dick W. Riekena

Dick W. Riekena passed away Friday evening, June 17, 1977, at the Beverly Manor Convalescent Center in Grundy Center following a lingering illness. He reached the age of 81 years, 11 months and 3 days.

He was born on a farm in Shiloh Township, west of Wellsburg on July 14, 1895, the son of Wiert and Lena (Eckhoff) Riekena. He attended the rural school in the area. He was married to Grace Johns on November 19, 1919. They made their home in Wellsburg following their marriage. She passed away on September 1, 1952. On December 21st, 1955, he was united in marriage to Henrietta Knoll. They lived in Wellsburg following their marriage.

Dick was a member of the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church of Wellsburg. He served his country in World War One in the U.S. Army and served overseas. He was a charter member of the Ashing-Jaspers Post 213 of the American Legion of Wellsburg and was active in the organization as long as his health permitted.

Mr. Riekena was engaged in the oil tank-wagon business in the Wellsburg area for many years being associated with the Standard Oil Company. Later he worked for the John Ross Road Construction Crew. For several years he was the town Marshal in Wellsburg, and also was on the Wellsburg Fire Department until 1950.

Preceding him in death were: his parents, his first wife, 1 brother, Wiert Riekena, 2 sisters, Mrs. Freda Williams, Mrs. Grace Lillibridge and 1 granddaughter.

Survivors include: his wife, Henrietta, 4 step-sons, Earl Knoll of Bradford; Neil Knoll of Ackley; William Knoll of Bradford; Harold Keith Knoll of Ackley; 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Mrs. Tena Geerdes of the Presbyterian Home in Ackley and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, June 20, 1977 at 1:30 p.m. at the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, northeast of Wellsburg. Rev. John O. Kilmer officiated at the services. Richard Schafer was soloist. Mrs. Edward Sietsema was organist. Flower attendants were Mrs. Henry Riebkes and Mrs. Alan Lutterman. Pall bearers were Randall Knoll, Ricky Knoll, Gerald Knoll, Brian Knoll, Danny Knoll, and Darren Knoll. Interment was made in Hazel Green Cemetery near Ackley. The flag folding ceremony was conducted by the local Amvets and the American Legion Posts of Wellsburg.

Doyen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 23 June 1977, pg 15