Donald Robert Rieck

Donald Robert Rieck passed away at the age of 90 on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Lake Minnetonka Shores in Spring Park, MN.

Don was born on November 23, 1935, in Springfield, MN to Rudy Rieck and Esther (Schultz) Rieck. Don was raised on the family farm south of Springfield, Bashaw Township, Brown County, MN. Don attended Mankato State University for one year following high school. He then joined the Air Force in June 1954. In the fall of 1956, he transferred to the F-100 D program, going to Itazuke AFB in Fukuoka Japan. Don completed his service and returned to civilian life in May 1958. On December 16, 1961, Don married Maxine Timm in St. Paul Lutheran Church, Springfield MN. Two daughters were born to this union: Dena and Donna. The couple settled in Texas but went their separate ways in 1980. In the spring of 1983, Don met Judy Stoetzer and the couple married on October 20, 1985, at Atonement Lutheran Church in Overland Park, KS. Don was quickly incorporated into the busy lives of Judy’s three adult children and their families. Big family gatherings for birthdays, holidays, and Chiefs football were the norm. After Judy’s passing in 2022, Don moved to Spring Park MN in January 2024 to spend more time with Dena and Donna and their families. While in MN, Don never missed the opportunity to go on a field trip, whether to northern MN or around the state, eastern WI, or across the country. He never wanted to “miss the bus”. Don enjoyed a variety of sales opportunities during his career, moving from Arkansas to Texas to Illinois, back to Texas and then settling in Kansas. Don thrived in the residential real estate sector in Kansas for 35 years. He was a people person and always asked the question “What’s new with you?” accompanied by a big smile and an even bigger bear hug. Don loved and appreciated his extended family and found joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, even the furry grandbabies!

Don was preceded in death by his parents, wives Maxine and Judy, and brother Dennis. He is survived by his two daughters: Dena (Kevin) Kuenzel of Shorewood, MN and Donna (Nick) Krueger of Montevideo, MN; stepchildren: Mark (Cathy) Stoetzer of Kansas City, MO, Nancy (Keith) Mays of Mission Woods, KS and Julie Stoetzer of Overland Park, KS; twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; brother Darwin (Joanie) Rieck and sister-in-law Audrey (Dennis) Rieck. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends. 

Private interment in Springfield, MN will be held in the spring of 2026.