Bernard J. Riniker

Obituary announcementDateline: EpworthBernard J. Riniker, 88, of rural Epworth, Iowa, died Thursday, November 7, 2013 at his home in rural Epworth.Friends and relatives of Bernard may call from 2 to 8 p.m., Sunday, November 10, 2013 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m.Services for Bernard will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 11, 20131 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa, with Rev. Aloysius Vorwald Presiding. Assisting Deacon will be James Kean. Burial will be held in St. Patrick's Cemetery with full military honors afforded by the Epworth American Legion John White Post #650.Bernard was born September 29, 1925 son of Louis and Margaret (Welty) Riniker in North Buena Vista, Iowa. He received his education in the North Buena Vista rural schools and graduate from Loras Academy. He served in the Korean War, where he earned several service medals.On his 28th birthday on September 29, 1953 he was united in marriage to Rita Mae Rolwes (daughter of Vincent and Lucille (Neuses) Rolwes. They were married at St. Francis Catholic Church in Balltown, Iowa. He was employed at the Dubuque Packing Company for several years before purchasing a farm southeast of Epworth in 1963, where he farmed until his retirement.He is survived by his wife, Rita Riniker of Epworth; Gary (Cynthia) of Bernard, IA, James of Epworth, IA, Christopher (Katherine) of Strawberry Point, IA, Mark (Lorie) of Durango, IA, Timothy (Cindy) of Elkader, IA, Thomas of Cuba City, WI, Robert of Greeley, IA, Bruce (Jeanette) of Winthrop, IA, Luann of Epworth, IA, Lois (Jerry) Hammerand of Sherrill, IA, Bernard Jr. and Richard both of Epworth, IA; grandchildren, Joe, Lisa, Marie, April, Crystal, Joanna, Adam C., Dennis, Brian, Aaron, Jeremy, Cheryl, Tyler, Jacob, Adam J., Alex, Alyssa, Amanda, Alexa, Jeff, Jordon, Jennifer, and Julie; great grandchildren, Maleah, Chasity, Grace, Kailee, Wyatt, Alyssa, Kassandra, Jasmyne, Quintin, Leila, Kristy, Martin, Matthew, Kendra, Austin, Ashlynn, Hailie, Olivia, Jack, Braelyn, and Gable.Also surviving are his in-laws, Bernice Riniker of Manchester, IA, Charlene Riniker of New Vienna, IA, Rosemary (Raphael) Tigges of Dubuque, IA, Ruth (John) Denlinger of Dubuque, IA.He is preceded In death by his parents; two children in infancy, Peter in 1957 and Joanna in 1973; one grandchild, Michael Riniker in 1986; and one great grandchild, Aiden Schaffer in 2013; brothers and sisters, Jacob, Arthur (Dorothy), Rosina (William) Loney, Anna, Stephen (Rose), Frances (Reynold) Steffen, Andrew (Coletta), Otto; and several nieces and nephews.Online condolences may be left for the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.comA special thank you to Dr. Whalen, Mercy Home Care and Above and Beyond Hospice.