RIEKENA, Ben G. (1906-1978)

RIEKENA, GEERDES, MONSON, PITKIN, GOBELI, FOSTER

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 4/2/2026 at 14:00:44

Services Held For Ben G. Riekena

Funeral services were held Monday for Ben G. Riekena at Faith Lutheran Church, Miller. The Rev. Kenneth Helmke officiated. Mr. Riekena passed away Thursday in his home after an illness.

Mrs. Ronald Anderson was organist. Casketbearers were Henry Riekena, G.G. (Dutch) Riekena, Edward Riekena, George Riekena, Warren Riekena and O.W. Foster. Burial was in Madison Township Cemetery with the Olson-Peterson funeral home in charge of arrangements.

Born near Wellsburg, Ben G. Riekena was the son of G.B. and Alice (Geerdes) Riekena. The family moved to the Woden area while Ben was just a child. He was baptized in the Presbyterian Church and attended school. He married Mabel Monson, April 4, 1929.

For several years Riekena worked for the Forest City Improvement and as self-employed carpenter. He was employed by Winnebago Industries for 15 years until his retirement in 1973. His wife died May 9, 1975 and he then married Martha Pitkin April 10, 1976.

Survivors include his wife, two children; Bennie Riekena, Bloomington, Minn. and Don (Marjorie) Gobeli of Miller, Glen Pitkin, step-son of Laramie, Wyo., 10 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, five brothers; Henry Riekena, G.G. Dutch Riekena, Edward Riekena, Forest City, Warren Riekena, Omaha, Neb., George Riekena, Bakersfield, Calif., and a sister, Mrs. O.W. (Evelyn) Foster, Rockford, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife and grandson, Donavon Gobeli.

source: Leader & Signal, Garner, Iowa, 4 Oct 1978, page 12, column 1