Richard “Dick” Rieger was born March 29, 1936, in Utica to Ernest and H Esther (Rurup) Rieger and went home peacefully to his heavenly Father at his home on Nov. 20, 2020, at the age of 84 years, 7 months and 22 days.
Richard grew up southeast of Utica. On June 3, 1955, he was united in marriage to LaDean Pleines at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, and to this union, four children were born. Richard farmed until 1985, when he became a full-time semi-truck driver until his retirement in 2014. His favorite hobby was working in his shop where he enjoyed welding and woodworking. Richard was a 50-year member of the Utica Volunteer Fire Department.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kenneth Rieger; great-grandson, Dustin Pane; and brother-in-law, Maynard Petersen.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife, LaDean Rieger, Utica; son, Michael and wife Cindy Rieger, Edgar; daughter, Jolene and husband Michael Franks, Utica; son, Chris and wife Tammie Rieger, Utica; grandchildren, Heath (Jessi) Rieger, Tennessee, Nathan (Lauren) Rieger, New York, Anthony Rieger, Utica, Jake (Sheila) Franks, Lincoln, Jeremiah Franks, Washington, Melissa (Mat) Gulizia, Waverly, and Katy Boman, Lincoln; great-grandchildren, Layla, Bianka, Kaelin and Abigail; great-great-grandchildren, Bentley and Lillian; and two sisters, Ernestine (Ken) Von Bargen and Faye Petersen.
A funeral service was Nov. 24 at St. Paul Lutheran Church with a graveside service and interment at the Utica Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Rieger family for future designation. Condolences may be left for the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.
