Obituary of Alvin Rieck

Alvin Hugo Rieck, the son of Ernest and Martha (Sass) Rieck was born on February 9, 1920 near Gaza, IA. He lived his youth in the Gaza and Hartley area and attended country school six miles south of Hartley. Following his school years Alvin continued working on the family farm until enlisting in the United States Army. He served his country during World War II and was stationed in Cold Bay, Alaska as the number 1 Machine Gunner. On March 26, 1944 he was united in marriage to Cleo Catherine Crowl at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Hartley. To this union seven children were born: Connie, James, Tom, Roger, Bev, Patty and Debbie. The couple were engaged in farming together for 55 years in the Hartley, May City and Ocheyedan areas. Together they raised livestock, milked cows, and kept a family-size garden. Alvin had a special interest in the Clay County Fair, and in 2002, celebrated 50 years of service at the fair. Alvin passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2013 at the age of 93 at the Milford Care Center in Milford, IA. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church of May City. Alvin was a dedicated crop and livestock farmer, loved his horses and was an active member of the Ocheyedan Saddle Club. Some of his favorite pastimes were fishing, music and dancing, sitting on the patio with his wife and dogs. Most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. Left to cherish his memory are his seven children: Connie Long of Spirit lake, IA, James (Kathy) Rieck, of Primghar, IA, Tom (Kathy) Rieck, of Spirit Lake, IA, Roger (Kim) Rieck of Truman, MN, Bev (Don) Reiman of Geneva, NE, Patty (Dean) Houser of Dell Rapids, SD and Debbie (Tracy) Gathman of Monroe, IA; 20 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; one sister, Ida Tesch of Neosha, MO; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Cleo, in 2009, three sisters and two brothers. In Celebration of Life Alvin H. Rieck Born ~ February 9, 1920 Died ~ July 11, 2013 Age ~ 93 years 5 months 2 days Funeral Service 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2013 St. John's Lutheran Church May City, Iowa Clergy ~ Pastor Paul Johnson Organist ~ Donna Ahlers Soloist ~ Julee Burns Special Music "How Great Thou Art" "On Eagle's Wings" Congregational Singing “Amazing Grace” “The Old Rugged Cross” Pallbearers Brian Rieck Dustin Rieck Brent Rieck Jeff Long Justin Long Chris Gathman Dan Gathman Sheldon Rieck Military Graveside Rites Conducted by Arthur Kirchhoff Legion Post #288 Hartley, Iowa Internment Pleasant View Cemetery Hartley, Iowa