Esther Rieck

Esther Emma (nee Schultz) Rieck died Sunday, July 30 at the age of 98 years, 7 months, and 21 days at St. John's Lutheran Home in Springfield, MN. She was born November 8, 1907 on the family farm in Brookville Township of Redwood County, MN to Agnes (Stark) and August Schultz. She grew up with her brother Edwin and sister Erma. She wrote in one of her many journals that they loved playing together, especially hide-and-go-seek. She also wrote that she dreamed of being a wife and mother. At age 21, her dream was fulfilled when she married Rudolph (Rudy) (Maas) Rieck on November 22, 1928 in the parsonage of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Springfield. They lived in Bashaw Township, Brown County. Rudy and Esther farmed their whole lives raising chickens, pigs, and cattle. Their marriage produced three sons: Donald, Dennis and Darwin. Their marriage lasted nearly 50 years; Rudy died April, 1978. Following Rudy's death, Esther continued to live and work on the farm until 1987. She then moved to Springfield and lived in two apartments before moving to St. John's Lutheran Home on June 1, 2005. Throughout her life, she loved to garden and play cards. She was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and a charter member of its Tabitha Circle. She also visited those in the hospital and nursing home for many, many years as part of her church and volunteer work. She was also an ardent, lifelong fan of the Minnesota Twins. Her greatest enjoyment in life came from spending time with and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren! She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Rudy, brother Edwin, and sister Erma. She is survived by her three sons and their wives: Donald and Judy of Kansas City, KS; Dennis and Audrey of St. Peter, MN; and Darwin and Joanie of Seattle, WA; six grandchildren and their spouses/fiancees, and six great-grandchildren. She will also be deeply missed by her many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends!