Ronald Riekena

Ronald Duane Riekena, son of Jake T. Riekena and Helen Louise Osterholm Riekena, was born Sept. 13, 1934, in Lewis, and passed from this life Monday, March 11, 2019, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines at 84 years of age.

Ron received his education from Maxwell High School, graduating in 1952. He furthered his education, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Drake University, master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and his Ph.D. from Iowa State University.

He was united in marriage to Sally Jo Mentzer on Sept. 5, 1954, at First Christian Church in Des Moines. Three children, Mark, Jeff and Scott blessed this union.

Ron was known by his family and friends as an educator. He began his career after graduating from Drake University. He first taught at Gladbrook, and soon became their principal. In 1965, Ron became the superintendent at Kanawah, and in 1971, came to Osceola as their superintendent. Ron later changed careers, and became the head of Food and Nutrition for the Department of Education in Iowa, retiring in 1997.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Gladbrook, Osceola Public Library Board, North Main Manor Group and Osceola Country Club. Ron enjoyed his coffee groups, reading a good book, catching old western movies, watching high school and ISU sports, and of course, spending time with his family.

Those relatives who preceded Ron in death were his parents, sister Alyce Stratton, sister Jackie Chittenden, brother-in-law John McBride, nephew Johnny McBride, niece Jodie McBride and his great-granddaughter Nova Belle Riekena.

Ron leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Sally Riekena of Osceola; son Jeff Riekena of Osceola; son Mark (Lucy) Riekena of Taipei, Taiwan; son Scott Riekena of McKinney, Texas; grandchildren, Todd Riekena of Des Moines, Chad Riekena of Osceola, Shuan (Katie) Riekena of Des Moines and Straton Riekena and Savannah Riekena, both of McKinney, Texas; great-grandchildren, Levin Riekena and Anella Riekena; sister Shirley McBride of Maxwell; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Services were 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at Kale Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., in Osceola with Pastor Chuck DeVos officiating. The family greeted friends one hour prior to services on Saturday, March 16, at the funeral home. Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a tribute to be decided at a later time. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.kalefuneralhome.com.