INDIANAPOLIS
Marianne Rieker 88, formerly of Columbus, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 24, at 12:08 p.m. at Kesslerwood Place in Indianapolis. Marianne was born on October 4, 1928, in Stuttgart, Germany, to Franz Xavier Schneider and Berta (Anser) Schneider.
Marianne came to the United States by ship into New York City on July 22, 1953, and married Werner Rieker on August 1, 1953, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Two years later, her husband returned from serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and they settled in Columbus.
Marianne and Werner were blessed with a son and daughter. Together they started and successfully operated an HVAC business, Rieker Refrigeration, for over 30 years. They worked hard, achieved the American dream, took many trips abroad and enjoyed sharing stories of their adventures. Marianne was a lover of opera and an avid tennis player. She was also a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Werner Rieker, in 1999.
Marianne is survived by her two children, Gregory (Julie) Rieker of Columbus and Martina (John P.) Kansky of Indianapolis; seven grandchildren, Christoph (Erin) Rieker of Columbus, 1st Lt. Zachary Rieker USMC of Hubert, NC; Cpl. Baron Rieker U.S. Army National Guard on active duty of Columbus, Steven Rieker of Lafayette, IN, Katarina Rieker of Lafayette, John A. Kansky of Indianapolis and Anika Kansky of Indianapolis; along with 3 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Friday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with the Rev. Patrick Galligar officiating.
Family and friends may call from 4:30 p.m. to time of service Friday at the funeral home.
The family request that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Rieker family at barkesweaverglick.com.
Arrangements were made by Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home.
