"I was so sad to read that your mother had died. I remember her from the family reunions and also from those days so long ago when she babysat for us; and I remember Mary Lou also babysitting for us at the park. Gertrude and Grandma Hanson and the other cousins spent so many wonderful times together and I have wonderful memories of those afternoons as well. I could not help but wonder whatever became of your mother's salt and pepper shaker collection. (Isn't it strange what we remember?) Please accept my deepest sympathy; Gertrude lived such a long life, but it is never easy to say good-by. An era has passed. Lyn Hanson"
In loving memory of
Gertrude M. Rieke
March 12, 1907 - November 6, 2006
GERTRUDE RIEKE MUSCATINE, Iowa - Gertrude M. Rieke, 99, of Muscatine, died Monday, November 6, 2006, at Lutheran Homes. Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2006, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Dr. Robert L. Pickerell of the First Christian Church will officiate the service. Casket bearers will be Kurt Mische, Scott Mische, Tim Cox, Randy Marston, Michael Rieke, and Craig Zoellner. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, November 10, 2006, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Lutheran Homes or First Christian Church. Gertrude was born on March 12, 1907, in Muscatine, the daughter of Frank and Mary Diercks Hecht. She married Raleigh M. Rieke on October 28, 1927, in Cedar Rapids. He preceded her in death in 1968. She worked as a secretary at US Button Factory prior to her marriage. She was a member of First Christian Church. She enjoyed crocheting and sewing. Survivors include one son, Richard R. Rieke and wife, Roberta, of Armstrong; two daughters, Darlene G. Mische and husband, Sterling, of Palatine, Illinois, and Mary Lou Cox and husband, LeRoy, of Eliza, Illinois; nine grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; four great great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother, Alfred Hecht, one granddaughter, and one great-grandson.
Tributes
"Darlene: Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother. I always admired her so much, and am glad that you have kept in touch with me thru the years."
"Mary Lou and Family, Sorry to hear about your mom. She was a sweet lady. Our deepest sympathy is with you all. (Pat Tober's little sister = Linda and husband."
"This may be a repeat, but I want to make sure it gets posted. My heart goes out to you, Darlene, Mary Lou, and Dick in the loss of your Mother. I was saddened to hear of her passing. She was a nice lady and laughed a lot. She was a good friend to my Mother, Alma. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I pray God will give you the peace that you need to get through this difficult time. Kay Couch"
"Dear Dick and Bobbi, We were so sorry to read of your mom's passing. My, how wonderful that she lived to be 99 years old and how marvelous that you had her for so long. May God bless you and keep you during these difficult days. May you be comforted in the knowledge that others care that you are hurting and are praying for you. Please extend our sympathy to the children. In Christian love, Kathy and Ron"
"My sympathies to you all. I'll always have fond memories of "Grandma Rieke". Thank you all for sharing her with me."
"Our sympathies to your family. We enjoyed your mom at church and know you have many fond memories to sustain you in this loss. "