Florence Rieke

Obituary

Florence Myrtle (Rieke) Rieke was born on August 21, 1922, in Cairo Township, Renville County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Edward and Ida (Grosklags) Rieke. She was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth, both at the United Methodist Church in Fairfax. Florence received her education in Fairfax and was a graduate of the Fairfax High School.

On September 3, 1941, Florence was united in marriage to Edwin Rieke at the Methodist Church Parsonage in Fairfax. After their marriage, the couple farmed in Cairo Township, retiring in 1985 when they moved into Fairfax. This marriage was blessed with three children. Florence and Edwin shared 49 years of marriage before Edwin passed away on September 30, 1990.

Florence was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Fairfax and a member of the United Methodist Women.

Florence enjoyed playing cards, bowling, reading, gardening and flowers. She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

When she needed assistance with her daily care, Florence became a resident of the Sleepy Eye Care Center on September 22, 2016. She passed away there on Wednesday, November 9, 2016, at the age of 94 years. Blessed be her memory.

Florence is survived by her children,
Kitty Schultz of Sleepy Eye, MN,
Judy Mitchell of Worthington, MN, and
Dennis (Debra) Rieke of Loomis, CA;
grandchildren, LuAnn (Jeff) Julien, Vickie (Rod) Schumacher, Greg (Jody) Mitchell, Debra (Rick) Nelsen;
great-grandchildren, Grace Julien, Allison Mitchell, Benjamin Mitchell, Jacob Mitchell, Jamie Schumacher, Katelyn Schumacher, Christopher Nelsen, and Jada Nelsen;
nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Ida Rieke; husband, Edwin Rieke; siblings, Eldred Rieke, Winfield (Helen) Rieke, Marian (Gordon) Bemmels; infant granddaughter; and son-in-law, Robert Schultz.