John Rieker Obituary

John Riley Rieker

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.