The Life of WILLIAM GEORGE RIECKHOFF
William (Bill) George Rieckhoff, age 88, passed away at his residence in Wesley Acres in Des Moines on January 22, 2016.
He was born in Gary, Indiana on July 5th, 1927 to William and Blanche (Conn) Rieckhoff, and raised in East Chicago, Indiana. Bill attended Illinois Wesleyan College and then attended Iliff School of Theology in Denver Colorado. On June 20th, 1959 Bill married Lois Irene Silliman. They had 56 years of loyal and loving commitment to one another and had three children and 7 grandchildren. He enjoyed his role of father and grandfather and took the family on many camping trips and vacations.
From the time he was a child, Bill was interested in electronics, trains, and the Chicago Cubs. He learned carpentry working with his father remodeling kitchens of steel mill owned homes. Bill was called into the ministry during high school at a camp experience. He was a pastor for forty years to many United Methodist churches in Iowa. He helped several young people to go into ministry, and enjoyed leading week long summer camp sessions for youth. He retired in 1992. In his early retirement, he became an advocate for elderly care center residents.
Bill also continued his hobby of model railroads by being a part of the National Railroad Association Club at the state fairgrounds. This past fall he enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs have their best season in decades.
Bill is survived by his wife, Lois, of Wesley Acres; three children: Greg (Lori) Rieckhoff, Brad (Trudi) Rieckhoff, and Rev. Janet (Tim) Rieckhoff-Faris; grandchildren Marissa, Andy, & Grace Rieckhoff, Tia & Nyah Rieckhoff, Rachel & Nathan Rieckhoff-Faris; sister Beverly Johnston of Ashville, NC; sister’s in law Marge Gale, Mae Newton, Ellen Silliman, Phyllis Crandall, Treasa Silliman, brother-in-law Charles (Dianne) Silliman, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brother’s-in-law and 1 sister-in-law.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 28 at 2:00 P.M. at Grace United Methodist Church with Rev. David Swinton and Rev. Gary Nims presiding. A visitation will begin at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 27 at Wesley Acres and after the memorial service at Grace church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Good Samaritan Foundation at Wesley Acres, 3524 Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50312 and Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Ave Des Moines, Iowa 50311.
He was born in Gary, Indiana on July 5th, 1927 to William and Blanche (Conn) Rieckhoff, and raised in East Chicago, Indiana. Bill attended Illinois Wesleyan College and then attended Iliff School of Theology in Denver Colorado. On June 20th, 1959 Bill married Lois Irene Silliman. They had 56 years of loyal and loving commitment to one another and had three children and 7 grandchildren. He enjoyed his role of father and grandfather and took the family on many camping trips and vacations.
From the time he was a child, Bill was interested in electronics, trains, and the Chicago Cubs. He learned carpentry working with his father remodeling kitchens of steel mill owned homes. Bill was called into the ministry during high school at a camp experience. He was a pastor for forty years to many United Methodist churches in Iowa. He helped several young people to go into ministry, and enjoyed leading week long summer camp sessions for youth. He retired in 1992. In his early retirement, he became an advocate for elderly care center residents.
Bill also continued his hobby of model railroads by being a part of the National Railroad Association Club at the state fairgrounds. This past fall he enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs have their best season in decades.
Bill is survived by his wife, Lois, of Wesley Acres; three children: Greg (Lori) Rieckhoff, Brad (Trudi) Rieckhoff, and Rev. Janet (Tim) Rieckhoff-Faris; grandchildren Marissa, Andy, & Grace Rieckhoff, Tia & Nyah Rieckhoff, Rachel & Nathan Rieckhoff-Faris; sister Beverly Johnston of Ashville, NC; sister’s in law Marge Gale, Mae Newton, Ellen Silliman, Phyllis Crandall, Treasa Silliman, brother-in-law Charles (Dianne) Silliman, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brother’s-in-law and 1 sister-in-law.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 28 at 2:00 P.M. at Grace United Methodist Church with Rev. David Swinton and Rev. Gary Nims presiding. A visitation will begin at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 27 at Wesley Acres and after the memorial service at Grace church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Good Samaritan Foundation at Wesley Acres, 3524 Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50312 and Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Ave Des Moines, Iowa 50311.