Ronald Frederick Rieke
Ronald Frederick Rieke, age 86, of Fairfax, Minnesota, stepped into eternity Sunday, July 21, 2024.
Endearingly called “Ronnie,” Ron was born on January 8, 1938, the eldest child of “PaPa Fritz” and “MaMa Helen,” Frederick and Helen (Ruud) Rieke. He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1956, the University of Minnesota in 1960 and served in the Army Reserve. Married since June 14, 1959, he and wife Barbara Lentz of Gibbon, Minnesota, shared 65 years of marriage and were together at their Harmony River suite in Hutchinson, Minnesota, before Ronnie set out to prepare the onward road. His earthly years touched so many and included too many experiences to list. Treasure his memory in your personal way and please say a prayer for his family.
Ron is survived by his wife, Barb, children; Ross Rieke (former wife, Mary), Roberta Rieke (Michael Vigneault), Laura (Jim) Sallstrom and Clark (Lori) Rieke, grandchildren; Joshua (Amanda) Rieke, Amy Johnson, Kelsey (Joe) Henning, Corynne Rieke (Josh Witkowski), Alissa (Andy) Evenson, Blake Clobes, Zachary (Miranda) Rieke and Kyler (Ariel) Rieke, neighbor kids who became like grandchildren; Margaret Sekely, Elizabeth Johnson, Sunshine Sinarath and Sonny Sinarath, great-grandchildren; Max, Kira, Kaden, Samuel, Ezra, Luke, Evelyn, Gabriel, Scarlett, Mathilde, Genevieve, James, Eleanor, Jackson and Kye, siblings; Robert (Carol) Rieke, Joyce (Chuck) Firle, Mary Burghart, David (Janet) Rieke, Randy (Lola) Rieke, and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Richard, brother-in-law, Dwayne Burghart, in-laws, Edward and Mabel Lentz, grandson-in-law, Ross Johnson, granddaughters, Aaron Rieke, Jessica Clobes, great granddaughter, Anna, and many other relatives.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 3 to 6 pm on Sunday, Sept. 8th, at the Fairfax United Methodist Church, 401 1st St SE, Fairfax, Minnesota. Casual dress, bib overalls are encouraged.
Because Ron bequeathed his body to the Mayo Medical School, a private burial will be held at a future date.
My deepest condolences to you and your family, Ron was always friendly and took the time to say hello and chat with you, kind and nice. He dearly loved Barb and all his family….He lived a good life and will be missed. 🙏🏼
A man beyond measure. He defines terms like father and husband. He did everything as an example for the rest of us. I was fortunate to know him for those eight years I knew him, a time I treasure.