Virginia Rieker

Virginia Rieker, 89, of Eustis, died October 25, 2022 in Elwood.

Virginia Lou Rieker, born February 8, 1933 in Gothenburg, was the oldest daughter of Alton and Anna (Stevens) Peterson.

Virginia attended North Vroman Rural School, and graduated in 1950 from Gothenburg High School. Following graduation she was employed by Gothenburg Public Power. Realizing she didn't care for office work, she enrolled for summer courses earning a teaching certificate, which enabled her to teach in rural schools. She taught in both Custer and Dawson counties.

On August 1, 1954, Virginia married Dwight Anderson. He was fatally injured in a harvest accident. On February 24, 1957 she married Raymond Rieker. The couple farmed and ranched near Eustis, and they were blessed with four children.

Virginia raised a large garden, freezing and canning the surplus. She also lead 4-H clubs, teaching many young girls to sew. She managed the concession stand during the summer baseball season and also for the swim meets in Eustis. She taught Sunday School, Bible School and was active in bible studies as a circle member, and circle chairman. Virginia baked pretzels for wedding receptions and graduations and also taught pretzel making classes. One of her highlights was doing her demonstration at a Bread Fair at the Sheldon Art Gallery in Lincoln.

Virginia took up quilting in later years, she enjoyed creating eye catching designs by using fabric.

Virginia was baptized and confirmed in the United Methodist Church in Gothenburg.

Survivors include husband, Raymond Rieker; her children, Joyce (Terry) Buethe, Bruce (Dawn) Rieker, Arlyn (Susan) Rieker and Bryan (Julie) Rieker. Grandchildren, Chris (Kim) Buethe, Patty (Mike) Fulton, McKenna Rieker, Mitch Rieker, Kaitlyn Rieker, Haley Rieker, Jacob Rieker, Addison Rieker, Aidan Rieker, Ashton Rieker, and great-grandchildren, Jaxin and Elijah Buethe, and Noah Fulton, sisters, Glenda (David) Walker, Beverly Drullinger, brother-in-law, Ivan Vrtiska along with many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Alton and Anna Peterson, grandson, Jared Buethe, brother Larry (Carolyn) Peterson, sisters, Margy (Don) Hennek and Karen Vrtiska, brother-in-law, Jerry Drullinger.

Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Friday, October 28, 2022 at 11:00 am, with Pastor Jeff Cottingham officiating with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow in the Eustis East Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Trinity Lutheran Church or the Eustis Senior Center.