John Riley Rieker

John Riley Rieker, 98, of Findlay, passed away at 3:45pm on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at Birchaven Village. John was born on March 15, 1925 in Canton, Ohio to the late Herman A. and Mary Elizabeth (Kuhn) Rieker. He married Margaret Ruth Altwies on January 4, 1947 in Fostoria, Ohio, and she preceded him in death on January 6, 2018.

Surviving John are children; J. Michael Rieker of Plymouth, Michigan; Nancy (Johnny) Durden of Aiken, South Carolina; Thomas (Pam) Rieker of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; David (Ellie) Rieker of Toledo, Ohio; ten 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, Five great grandchildren; Caitlyn Greene, Cameron Rieker, Owen Rieker, Riley Rieker and Wren Jaeger. He was preceded in death by his 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, Ohio.

He served in the US Army from July 1943 until his discharge date of August 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; one Battle Star; and The Presidential Citation.

Visitation for John’s family and friends will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Monday, April 24, 2023 at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home, 500 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio 45840. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 617 West Main Cross Street, Findlay, Ohio 45840 with Msgr. Mike Hohenbrink, celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Hancock County Veterans 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, Ohio 45840.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.

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