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BORN
1931
DIED
2025
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Joanne Rieker Obituary
December 8, 1931 - November 12, 2025
Joanne M. Rieker, 93, of Grand Island, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at CHI Health - St. Francis in Grand Island with her husband and family by her side.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home in St. Paul. Interment will be held at the Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.
Joanne was born on December 8, 1931, to Anton and Millie (Starkey) Smydra on the family farm near Boelus. She received her education from Loup City, graduating in 1948. Joanne was united in marriage to Wayne Rieker on June 5, 1976, in Grand Island.
Joanne was an animal lover and especially loved her pets. A pet never went unfed or unsheltered within her reach. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 119 in St. Paul. Her hobbies included crocheting, going out for a drive, or going out to eat with family and friends.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Wayner Rieker of Grand Island; son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Cayle Townsend of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, Nellie Townsend and Emma Byrnak of Colorado; great-grandson, Eli Byrnak of Colorado; sister-in-law, Cecelia Smydra of Boelus; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; special friends, Darrel and Georgene Teller of Rapid City, SD, Kent Sanders of Illinois, Lawrence Syzdik of Cairo, Cindy Larsen of Grand Island, Lee Anna Koperski of Farwell; and her beloved dog, Rosie.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Millie Smydra; sister, Joyce Smydra; and brother, Don Smydra; and special friends, Wilma and Jess Poss.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.jacobsengreenway.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Joanne Rieker
Sponsored by Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home.
5 Entries
Kim Mettenbrink
November 24, 2025
Dear Wayne
When I saw your lovely wife, Joanne´s picture, I remembered the day we talked together at the Dr office out at the new hospital as you waited for the handi bus to come and pickup you and your wife. She had just had an appointment at Dr Van Wie´s office. What a beautiful woman and what a wonderful husband you were to your wife. She was so sweet and our conversation that day helped me so much! My sympathy to you and your family as you go through the days ahead. Many prayers. Kim Mettenbrink.
LeeAnna Koperski better known as Farwell
November 24, 2025
Sorry for your loss Wayne. She was such a lovely lady, always had a smile. I will miss her dearly. Wayne, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Theresa J Arita
November 22, 2025
Wayne im sorry to hear of Joanne passing she was a kind & lovely lady she was always happy to see me always remember the beautiful memories you both shared Love & huggs
Miller Family & Cindy Merideth
November 18, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Dana WHITE
November 15, 2025
Wayne I am so sorry to hear that Joanne's passing she was a BEAUTIFUL LADY AND LIVED A LONG LIFE WITH YOU WAYNE .
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Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home411 O Street PO Box 112, Saint Paul, NE 68873
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