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William Riekert Obituary
William R. Riekert, age 88, of Erie, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2015, at St. Vincent Hospital. He was born in New York City, on February 9, 1927, to the late William M. and Christine (Kruescher) Riekert.
Bill served in the U.S. Navy, in electronics, during World War II. He graduated from Muhlenberg College with an AB in Mathematics in 1948, and began work at General Electric, in accounting, in Schenectady, New York. The same year, he married Doris E. Grove of Hershey, PA. In 1954, they moved to Erie, where Bill was named manager of Cost Accounting at the Erie GE plant, eventually accepting responsibility for bringing the first large-scale computer into the Erie plant. This venture became the Computer and Information Systems Operations (CISO), which Bill grew and developed until his retirement after 38 years of employment with GE.
Bill was active in church and civic affairs in Erie. He served five years on the Board of Directors of the School District of Erie, and on several other boards, including those of the YMCA, the Gertrude Barber Center and the Erie Chapter of the National Accountants Association. Bill participated in the Boy Scouts of America and served in several capacities at Glenwood United Methodist Church, chairing for many years the Finance Committee, as well as two capital campaigns. He especially enjoyed leading the Challengers Sunday school class. In retirement, he assisted small business owners through Erie SCORE, provided advice through the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), and served as a personal financial consultant to numerous individuals. In recent years, Bill served on the Board of Governors of the Springhill Retirement Community.
Bill loved life and enthusiastically participated in many pastimes – hiking, camping, chess, singing, writing, tennis, handball, and especially basketball, which he played full court several times a week, until his recent illness. Most of all, Bill cherished spending time with his family, who will treasure the rich memories of his time with them.
William is survived by his wife of 66 years, Doris (Grove) Riekert; three children, Lois Galligan (Thomas) of Southport, N.C., Sally Houck (John) of Edmond, Okla., and Thomas Riekert (Darlene Choy) of Novato, Calif.; grandchildren, Erin Burnett (Josh), Eileen Galligan, Mark Houck (Peggy), and Mary Houck; and siblings, Muriel Pufahl (Charles), Robert Riekert, and Eleanor Hamel (Jack) and families.
Friends are invited to a memorial service on Friday, June 5th at 3 p.m., at Glenwood United Methodist Church, 2931 Myrtle Street, Erie, PA 16508. Arrangements are by the Brugger Funeral Home & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street.
Memorials may be made to Glenwood United Methodist Church.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for William Riekert
edward czulewicz
May 28, 2019
even though bill has been in heaven for a year now; I pray for his soul daily. I also pray for his daughters sally and lois and his son tom and their families. like I said last year I just loved the guy. he was one of the finest if not the finest human being I've ever met; just a God fearing, moral decent man. I always told bill when I grow up I want to be just like him; and even though I am about to turn 63 years old, I still strive to be just like bill.....TRUST ME......when bill entered the "pearly gates" he was greeted by Jesus who said 'well done William. you have fought the good fight; you have finished the race; you have kept the FAITH'.....to all of bill's family and friends reading this; Bill is in heaven praying for you all. use that sentiment to live the rest of your lives the best that you can; so that one day you may all be re-united with joy peace and love in heaven; where God will wipe away every tear....Sincerely.....
Carole Bredenberg Huether
June 13, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. When I read the obituary, I was struck by the many ways his life intersected with my father's. I am deeply grateful for the much appreciated visits to my Dad following the death of my mother, and for Bill's many visits to my father in his last days. At the funeral, Bill kept a concerned eye on my sister and me, and helped us in many thoughtful ways afterward.
June 8, 2015
I was very privileged to meet Bill when I joined the Tuesday night basketball group at St. John's Church over fifteen years ago. I could tell immediately that he was a very welcoming man who was always positive and upbeat despite his recent illnesses. He was truly remarkable and he constantly lived his faith. Rill was an inspiration for me. I will continue to pray for the comfort of his wife and family.
Bernie Lucas
Roach Hewitt
June 6, 2015
I am so very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I have such great memories of Bill playing basketball at his home, the YMCA, Glenwood Church, and St. John's. He was a true gentleman and was such a positive influence on my life. I interviewed years ago at GE and he would never admit it but I am sure that is why I got my job as a computer programmer. That job led to my getting a job as a computer programming teacher for the last 28 years. Thank you Bill I am sure it would not have ever happened without you and the job at GE. Often it is said that I wish I was half the man my dog thinks I am. Well Bill was twice the man any dog could think he was. We are all better people for having know Bill and I hope he puts in a good word once again for me once this is all over.
Joe and Pat Martone
June 5, 2015
Bill was a great guy to work for! We will all miss him very much.
Our condolences to the Riekert family.
Eric & Debi Petersen
June 4, 2015
Reading all of the heartfelt comments made me smile. Bill was such a wonderful person and I am so fortunate to have been in his company for many years. Having Bill as a Sunday School teacher, basketball teammate on the Glenwood team as well as the Tuesday and Thursday battles will stay with me forever. In my life in Erie and now in Rochester, NY I never met a more consistent, solid and just plain nice person. Bill was a great competitor, no doubt about that - but for him the glory was in the competition, not whether you won or lost. Such integrity and class! A great man is gone and it must be so sad for you Mrs. Riekert, Lois, Sally and Tom but to have such a wonderful husband and dad was truly your gift and those wonderful memories will stay with you. Lastly, good luck in putting together a 5 on 5 game above Bill, but know you that job has already been done. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
June 3, 2015
Dear Mrs. Riekert, Lois, Sally, and Tom,
I will always remember your husband and father as a very kind, wise, thoughtful, and understanding man. He was a consummate gentleman, an accomplished professional, and a devoted family man who was a shining example of all that is good in humanity.
As a child at Glenwood Church, I remember being struck by his warm smile, twinkling eyes, and commitment to family bike rides and basketball! As a teenager, I experienced his ability to value a variety of opinions and to appreciate and manage lively discussions. In Sunday School and in conversations, he taught us that there is merit in questioning the status quo and in looking for new ways of doing things. What a gift for a group of teenagers! As an adult, I always felt privileged to be in his presence. His humility, integrity, and joyful service to his church and community, as well as his love of life, was inspirational. He was truly a very, very special man.
Alan and I wish each of you the peace that passes all understanding now, and in the weeks to come. Thank you so much for sharing your loving husband and father with us and our community.
Patti Schaal
ed czulewicz
June 3, 2015
bill was one, if not the finest human being I've ever known, and that's including family, friends, relatives, and yes; even religious. I never like to put any human being on a pedestal but I will for bill; who was CLASS PERSONIFIED. a true gentlemen in every respect. I knew bill through playing basketball, starting way back in the 1970's at the downtown y.m.c.a. even then you knew there was something special about the guy, not only in the way he played,(what a fierce competitor), but in the overall way that he handled himself, a TRUE sportsman; who played the game "the right way". as much as I admired his basketball prowess, he was an even better PERSON; kind, compassionate and wise. I also knew bill to be a deeply spiritual man, who loved God and family. bill's list of personal accomplishment's speak for themselves as he was blessed with a "beautiful mind". when I heard of bill's illness, I prayed that he could get back to doing what he loved best, playing basketball; but it just wasn't meant to be. I know that it sounds kind of strange, but I just LOVED THE GUY; and I always used to tell him 'bill, when I grow up I want to be just like you'; and at 59 years of age, I STILL feel that way. my deepest sympathies to his wife doris, children and family. I know he's looking down from heaven and smiling on us all;(probably challenging St.Peter to a game of one-on-one).I'm sure that Jesus' first words to bill were' WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITFUL SERVANT; YOU HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT; YOU HAVE FINISHED THE RACE...sincerely, ed czulewicz...
Ralph Hersey
June 3, 2015
Bill led us all to making the best of decisions for GE and the world. We will all miss him and try to duplicate his wisdom for the rest of our lives.
June 3, 2015
To the entire Riekert family,
It is with deep regret and sadness that I hear of Bill's passing. Please accept our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I lived around the corner from Bill and grew up playing basketball off and on with the Norman Way Gang. Through his enthusiastic play, he imparted on all of us the virtues of honesty, integrity, and a sense of fair play. I'm very proud to have known him and will cherish those memories always.
Sincerely, Jim Hoyt
Nick Pappas
June 2, 2015
My deepest sympathy to Bill's Family. I will miss the best boss I ever had, handball partner and friend also.
Don Bang
June 2, 2015
To the Riekert Family,
Our deepest sympathies at this difficult time. Solomon well said many years ago, The memory of the just is blessed. I only knew Bill for about 10 years from the mid-fifties to the mid-sixties from Glenwood, but he, as a gentleman with much dignity and care for others, made quite an impression on me. I have thought of him with much respect a number of times over the years and even now when some say, white men can't jump', I think of Bill and those powerful legs and know that they are wrong. May you be comforted as you realize God is life and God is love and know that the Lord Jesus Christ is the real and only Saviour. John 3:16 & 5:24
Don Bang
John Harkins
June 2, 2015
I admired and respected Bill very much.
He contributed much to the betterment of the Erie School District, and our community.
SAM FLETCHER
June 2, 2015
GIVE MY REGUADS TO HIS FAMILY
HE WAS THE BEST BOSS I EVER HAD AT GE FOR 26 YEAS, AND HE WORKED FOR ME DOING TAXES FOR AARP IRS FOR 15 YEARS.
BESS BOSS AND EMPLOYEEI HAVE EVER KNOWN.
Boo Hagerty
June 2, 2015
To the Riekert Family. It is with a heavy heart that I share my condolonces to all of you on the loss of one of the great men of our community. Kind and Gentle are two words that come to mind with I think if Bill Riekert, however, his hook shot was lethal! Growing up on Norman Way and playing basketball 3-4 nights a week are memories I will cherish forever. He taught us all that competivieness and sportsmanship are words that fit together so well. I know I speak for all the Hagerty boys when I say that we were all priviliged and honored to know such a wonderful man and I am sure we will be talking so fondly about Bill Riekert for many, many years as he has made a lasting impression on us all. His life on Earth is over and the Lord has welcomed him with two simple words - "well done".
Dave Baker
June 2, 2015
Mrs. Riekert, Lois, Sally and Tom the few words I can write here can't possibly convey the admiration and respect I have for your husband and father. When I think of Mr. Riekert several words come to mind friendliness, competence, organization, humility, helpfulness, and integrity. From the first time I met him some 55 years ago until the last time I saw him this past August he displayed these qualities in every sense. He was the finest example of a gentleman I've ever met. It was my privilege to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Larry Brown
June 2, 2015
Bill was one of the most brilliant, humble, helpful, and kind individuals that I have ever had the pleasure to meet. He will be truly missed. I knew Bill through SCORE.
June 2, 2015
I am saddened to read of Bill's passing. I worked with Bill at G.E. and also worked with him as fellow SCORE counselor. He was always the perfect gentleman. My deepest sympathies.
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