Winifred Rieck

Obituary Bobbie Rieck, 97, died on October 26, 2010 at Providence Hospital in Everett. Bobbie was born on August 17, 1913, in Platte County, Nebraska. She was raised on a farm and after completing teacher's college she began teaching at a one room school house at the age of 19. Her transportation to the school was on the back of a horse, often through blinding snow storms. She eventually moved to Columbus, Nebraska where she began a career in banking. In 1950 she moved to Washington State to be with her mother after the death of her father. In Tacoma she met a widower, Bill Rieck, and his four young children. Bobbie and Bill were married in 1954 and she immediately adopted the children. Bobbie was a very caring and loving wife and mother who always put her family first. She was a member of St. Patrick's Church in Tacoma for nearly 60 years and her Catholic faith was at the center of her life. She was a fulltime volunteer in various church and community activities until shortly before her death. She made friends easily and had a great love for learning throughout her life. She saw the best in everyone and everything. Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Catherine Wegener, her husband Bill Rieck and her sisters Mary Blomstrom, Catherine Trodahl and Anne Neer. She is survived by her brother Jack Wegener (Charlotte). Bobbie is also survived by her children Sandy Turner (Jerry), Linda Rieck, Bill Rieck (Gail) and Mary Johnson (Greg). Bobbie had a special relationship with each of her six grandchildren: Jay Turner (Allison), John Turner, Sarah Thompson (Jeff), Annie Johnson, Mollie Rieck Mana'o (Hala) and Jody Rieck (Eric). Grandma Bobbie will be deeply missed by her four great grandsons: Luke Turner, Noah Turner, Dean Thompson and Charlie Thompson. A rosary will be recited at 6 PM, November 2, at St. Patrick's Church. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Patrick's Church, 1001 North J Street, at 11 AM on November 3, 2010. Donations can be made in Bobbie's name to the St. Vincent DePaul Society.