William F. Rieke

William F. "Bill" Rieke, age 98, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at Glenn Park of Defiance. 
  
He was born on September 13, 1925 to Ferdinand and Vera (Harrow) Rieke in Paulding, Ohio. He was a 1943 graduate of Oakwood High School. He proudly served our country in Iwo Jima in the U.S. Army as an Air Corps Sergeant during WWII from 1944 to 1946. On November 30, 1946 he married Lila Etter, who preceded him in death on March 21, 2003. 
  
Bill was a faithful member of Ayersville Methodist Church. He worked as a Supervisor at General Motors for 37 years until his retirement. He was a lifelong farmer and had a true passion for working on his farm. In his leisure time he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Bill was a devoted family man and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. 
  
Bill is survived by his children, Michael (Carol) Rieke of Defiance, Nancy (Dan Distelrath) Edens of Defiance, Philip (Sharon) Rieke of Ottawa, and Lori (Joe) Hoshock of Defiance, eleven grandchildren; Eric (Kelly Aldrich) Rieke, Kevin (Tara Miller) Rieke, Sara (Eric) Lee, Travis (Jamie) Edens, Clinton (Laura) Rieke, Matthew Rieke, Alex (Ashley Jo Miller) Rieke, Carly Hoshock, Jaime (Steve) Kreiner, Scott (Amber) Hoshock and Melanie (Joshua) Goebel, and his great-grandchildren; Erica Rieke, Jillian Rieke, Madison Lee, Ethan Lee, Tristan Edens, Brooks Edens, Zachary Rieke, Lotti Kreiner, Clyde Kreiner, Liam Metz and Wyatt Metz. 
  
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lila Rieke, his brother, Kenneth Rieke, and sister, Helen Andrews.
  
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, Ohio. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, October 30, 2023 at Ayersville Community Church, with Pastor Jason Vandemark officiating. One hour of additional visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the church before the service. Burial will take place at Ayersville Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the church.
  
Memorials are suggested to ELARA Hospice, or Ayersville Community Church. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

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