Tommy D. Rieken

NORFOLK -- Memorial service for Tommy D. Rieken, 82, of Norfolk formerly of Columbus will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at the Norfolk Veterans Home. Officiating the service will be Rev. Terry Buol. Military rites will be provided by the American Legion Post #16, V.F.W. Post #1644, American Legion Riders, and the United States Army Honor Guard. Family inurnment will be held at a later date. Tommy died on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at the Norfolk Veterans Home. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Tommy was born on January 5, 1941 in Fullerton, Nebraska to Pearle and Delsa (Gibb) Rieken. He attended grade school in Fullerton and graduated from Fullerton High School in 1959. After high school Tommy served his country in the United States Army from November 19, 1959 to February 5, 1962; during which he was stationed for two and a half years in Germany. After returning from the military Tommy was united in marriage to Jerilyn Horacek on January 9th 1966 at First United Methodist church in Fullerton. Shortly after marriage the couple moved to Grand Island where they both worked for the ordinance plant before they went to work at the St. Frances Hospital in Grand Island. In 1973 the couple brought their daughter, Lisa, into the world. The family then moved back to Fullerton, in 1976, to help on the family farm. It was not until 1982 that the family moved to Columbus where the couple both worked at the Columbus Hospital for over 20 years. Tommy and Jerilyn moved into the Norfolk Veterans Home in 2016. Tommy enjoyed listening to music, watching NASCAR, reading and watching old westerns, and spending time with his grandchildren. Tommy was originally a member of the Methodist Church in Columbus as well as a member of the Columbus American Legion. Survivors include his wife Jerilyn Rieken of Norfolk formerly of Columbus, daughter Lisa Rieken of Columbus, 3 grandchildren Kody Salak of Lincon, Lacey Salak of Columbus, Riley Salak of Columbus, brother-in-law Ralph Horacek of Fullerton, sisters-in-law Janis Gress of Columbus, and Zola Rieken of Central City. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents Pearle and Delsa, brothers Lyle, Bill, Richard, and twin girls in infancy; Delsa Mae, and Denise Rae. Condolences may be expressed to family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Tommy D. Rieken

January 5, 1941 - December 14, 2023