RIEKER, Michael George (Mike)

Silver Creek Mortuary, Taylor, Arizona Michael George Rieker January 20, 1944 ~ June 13, 2015 Michael George Rieker entered into eternal rest unexpectedly on Saturday, June 13, 2015 in Snowflake, Arizona after a fatal car accident as he was coming from the Swap Meet which was a weekly ritual and a favorite pastime. Mike was born January 20, 1944 to Robert and Dorothy Rieker in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. While growing up he went away to Winooski, Vermont for college where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from St. Michael’s College . He also received a teaching certificate from Idaho State University in Idaho Mike and Carol were married August, 20 1966 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. They resided in Pittsfield until they moved to Littleton, CO in 1968. Mike worked for Gates Rubber Company as an accountant. It was in Littleton that they joined the LDS church, and shortly after moved to Paris, ID in 1975. Mike pursued a teaching certificate at Idaho State University and worked as an elementary school teacher for several years. In 1978 the family moved to Orem, Utah where he continued in education as a principal. Following a move to Provo, Utah, Mike worked for Heritage Mountain, again in accounting. In 1992 Mike and Carol built their dream home in Mapleton, Utah. After the kids were mostly grown, Mike and Carol served a mission in Devon, Alberta, Canada returning in 2002. A second mission was served in Clinton, South Carolina, returning in 2006. Following their missions they retired in Snowflake, Arizona. He joined the Army reserves and was a Pharmacy Specialist. He was honorably discharged in June of 1972. Mike was born into the Catholic Church. He and Carol were converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1975. Mike’s involvement with the church was a great source of passion and purpose in his life. His favorite past times were Joking with waitresses, playing Scum, gardening, growing and making popcorn, skiing, concocting things in the kitchen, finding bargains at the Swap Meet, teasing those around him, walking with Carol, studying the scriptures, teaching the youth, digging large holes, building rock walls, driving tractors and brightening everyone’s day with his infectious smile. He is survived by the love of his life Carol Phillips Rieker , Children: Kim Severn, Spouse Dan Severn, Grandchildren – Cameron, Jared Mark Rieker, Spouse Megan Rieker, Grandchildren – Jacob, Seth, David Christian Rieker, Spouse Tracey Rieker, Grandchildren – Christian, Cassie, Bella, Brady Cami MacKeage, Spouse Mike Mackeage Mike’s siblings: Robert Rieker, Spouse Marilyn Rieker Debbie Baldwin, Spouse Jon Baldwin. Mike was preceded in Death by his parents – Robert and Dorothy Rieker There will be a viewing on Saturday, June 20th at 9:00am and Funeral Service starting at 10:00am at the Love Lake LDS chapel, Taylor, Arizona. Interment will take place at the Reed Hatch Memorial Cemetery, Taylor,Arizona