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John Rieker Obituary
John Riley Rieker, 98, of Findlay, passed away at 3:45 p.m. Sunday, April 16, 2023, at Birchaven Village.
John was born March 15, 1925, in Canton, to Herman A. and Mary Elizabeth (Kuhn) Rieker. He married Margaret Ruth Altwies on Jan. 4, 1947, in Fostoria, and she preceded him in death Jan. 6, 2018.
John is survived by his children, J. Michael Rieker of Plymouth, Michigan, Nancy (Johnny) Durden of Aiken, South Carolina, Thomas (Pam) Rieker of Reynoldsburg, and David (Ellie) Rieker of Toledo; 10 grandchildren, Elizabeth (Michael) Greene, Cheryl Durden, John Durden, David (Jess) Rieker, Christopher (Christie) Rieker, Ben Rieker, Brad (Mary) Rieker, Alex Rieker, Abby (Michael) Jaeger, and Caty Rieker; and five great-grandchildren, Caitlyn Greene, Cameron Rieker, Owen Rieker, Riley Rieker, and Wren Jaeger.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Ben Rieker and Jim Rieker.
John graduated from Dover High School in 1943 and attended The Ohio State University. He was a salesman for Home Window Company and was the former owner of Findlay Lumber Company and Findlay Equipment Company. He was a member of B.P.O.E., American Legion, DAV, and Knights of Columbus. He was an original board member and first property manager of Hope House and was a former co-chairperson of St. Michael's Thanksgiving food drive; Elks, American Legion, DAV, Knights of Columbus and VFW in Dover.
He served in U.S. Army from July, 1943, until his discharge date of Aug. 15, 1945. He was assigned to the infantry, 78th division, 311 regiment K company, where he was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge. He received decorations of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, American Campaign Medal, European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign, Battle Star, and The Presidential Citation.
Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday, April 24, 2023, at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home, 500 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio, 45840. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 617 West Main Cross Street, Findlay, Ohio, 45840, with Msgr. Mike Hohenbrink as celebrant. Burial will be at St. Michael Cemetery with military rites by Hancock County Veteran Memorial Squad.
Memorials are suggested to St. Michael Educational Fund, 750 Bright Road, Findlay, Ohio, 45840, or Bridge Home, Health and Hospice, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, Ohio, 45840.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Rieker
4 Entries
Karen Bishop
April 25, 2023
My absolute favorite patient I ever had! Such a wonderful, funny, kind man. He loved his wonderful wife and children so much.
Cindy Nye
April 22, 2023
He was my great uncle. I loved family gatherings where he and aunt Margaret would be. They were such an amazing couple. Now they are together again. Rest in heaven
James Cooper
April 19, 2023
John was one of two surviving members of his WWII unit - Co. K, 311th Infantry, 78th Division. He was the last of the original members of Co. K who sailed with the Regiment to the war in Europe on the HMS Carnarvon Castle in October 1944.
Erin Fausnaugh
April 19, 2023
I had the pleasure of meeting John when I worked in the kitchen at Birchaven. He was the sweetest man, always asked how I was doing especially when I was pregnant. Asking how my baby was doing and if I was getting around ok. He always made me laugh and I enjoyed his sarcasm that came with his smile! I also enjoyed meeting his children when they came to visit in the dinning room for meals before church. He was such a handsome, polite man. I will never forget him and cherish the opportunity of being able to meet him. Prayers for the family as you all go through this difficult time of the passing of an amazing human being. My thoughts are with you all!
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Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home - Findlay500 Lima Ave, Findlay, OH 45840
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