Service Information
Wesley Rieke, age 91, of Fairfax, passed away Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Private Family Memorial Service will be Friday, October 22, 2021, at the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.
The Public is invited to the Graveside Service, Friday, October 22, 2021, 1:00 P.M. at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Cairo Township, Renville County, Minnesota.
Military Honors by the Fairfax Honor Guard.
Reception and Fellowship at St. John Lutheran All Purpose Room after burial.
Memorials preferred St. John’s Lutheran Church and Parkinson’s Foundation.
Obituary
Wesley Ray Rieke was born on January 16, 1930, in Cairo Township, Renville County, Minnesota. He was the son of Clarence and Mildred (Grams) Rieke. Wesley was baptized as an infant at his home and later confirmed in his faith as a youth at Ridgely Lutheran Church. He received his education at country school District #26.
On February 27, 1953, Wesley entered active military service and served his country in the United States Army. He was Honorably Discharged on February 24, 1955.
On July 5, 1958, Wesley was united in marriage to Dorothy Thompson at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, Minnesota. After their marriage, the couple farmed in Cairo Township. This union was blessed with two children, Laurel and Greg. Wesley and Dorothy shared 57 years of marriage when Dorothy passed away on November 21, 2015.
Wesley was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairfax where he served on different church boards and was active in the church different activities.
Wesley enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, watching the Vikings and Twins and loved his polka music. Spending time at their cabin with family and friends was a very special time for them.
When he needed assistance with his daily care, Wesley became a resident of Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson on March 23, 2018, and passed away there on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at the age of 91 years. Blessed be his memory.
Wesley is survived by his:
Children, Laurel Yeager of Chaska, MN and
Greg (Helen) Rieke of Lake Park, MN;
Grandchildren, Emily Yeager, Nathan Yeager, Adrian (Julie Sivertson), De’Angleo (Mackenzie) and Kayla Rieke;
Great-grandchildren, Claire and Ben;
Sisters, Irene Rieke of Hutchinson, MN and Violet Rosenau of Hutchinson, MN;
Nieces, Nephews and other relatives and friends.
Wesley was preceded in death by his Parents, Clarence and Mildred, Wife, Dorothy; Sister and Brother-in-law, Margaret and Paul Scott, Brother-in-law, Ronald Rosenau.
Tony Arhart says
Just hearing the name Wesley Rieke brings a flood of fond memories to me. He sure was a fun guy to have at Deer Camp and various fishing adventures at Third River and Lake Winnie. Even getting partially axphiated by carbon monoxide from a faulty gas refrigerator was tolerable with him around. He liked to deer hunt with my Dad Dallas. Dallas always said that Wesley actually looked for sticks to step on while they were sneaking up on deer. Wesley was a good muskrat trapper too. Dallas and him made a surprise inspection of my work booth at the National Trapper’s Convention in Rochester. Wesley always was available to help and knew just when to show up. The world could use more folks like him and Dallas around these days. The deer are a little safer in the woods too…