Steven J. Rike

A funeral service for Steven Rike of Indianola formerly of Titonka will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Good Hope Lutheran Church in Titonka. The funeral service will be livestreamed on the Oakcrest Funeral Services Facebook Page. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 29, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Titonka.

Steven John Rike was born on September 7, 1953, in Buffalo Center, Iowa, the son of John and Bonnie (Caboth) Rike. Growing up on the farm, he learned many skills that he would carry into adulthood. He loved to tease his sisters and was good at it!

Steve graduated from Titonka High School in 1971 and then drove a school bus route for the district. He went on to attend Iowa Lakes Community College, studying auto mechanics, but ultimately decided that his heart was on the farm. In addition to farming, he also ran Rike Sanitation for many years (sometimes dancing on top of the truck to get a few laughs), and worked with his close friend and mentor, Carl Ludwig, pouring concrete for Ludwig Ready Mix. In the early 2000's he suffered a farming accident that led to his early retirement but always kept himself busy.

Steve enjoyed many hobbies including snowmobile and dirt track racing, watching NASCAR, reading, cooking for his family and friends, and tinkering around the house on any project he could find. He raced snowmobiles professionally as a young adult and then began racing mini sprint cars. Racing was a passion he shared with many others, and he truly loved it.

Steve was never without a good story to tell and could talk to anyone. He was very proud of the time he spent volunteering as a First Responder for Titonka and gave back to his community by serving on the school board. He made many friends while living in Indianola and cherished his lifelong friendships in Titonka. He will be greatly missed by all, especially his family.

Steven passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, July 25, 2025. He was 71.

Steve is survived by his two children, Tim (Kristi) Rike, and Tonya (Bart) Anderson; seven grandchildren, Valerie, Kendra, Lauren, Alexis, Raelyn, Vincent, and Sam; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his sister, Diane (Jack) Shields; brother-in-law, Greg Andrews; and six nieces and nephews.

Preceding Steve in death are his parents, John and Bonnie; and his sister, Susan Andrews.