Laurel Leo Rieck

Laurel Leo Rieck was born on April 29, 1939 in Burwell, NE to Leo and Florence (Freeman) Rieck. He grew up on the family’s farm outside of Primrose, NE and graduated from Primrose High School in 1958. In high school he played basketball, softball, and track. In May of 1961, Laurel joined the United States Air Force where he served in active duty until his honorable discharge in May of 1965. After this period of active service, Laurel entered into civilian service, working at Offutt Air Force Base as a heavy equipment mechanic for over 30 years. Laurel was blessed with three children: Loren, Lori, and Missy. On May 14, 1987 he was united in marriage to Brenda, and they spent 36 wonderful years together. In his free time, Laurel enjoyed taking trips out to visit the family farm he had grown up on. He was an excellent gardener growing all kinds of vegetables including giant pumpkins. He also cared for plants, trees, and flowers, always keeping an immaculate lawn. Cooking was something Laurel developed a talent for later in life, he baked breads, cooked delicious lamb and prime rib, and even made his own Chokecherry wine. Laurel was a handyman who could fix anything that was broken; he made sure to have plenty of tools and materials on hand for when they were needed. Watching westerns and history shows and listening to classic country music were also pastimes Laurel enjoyed. At different times in his life, Laurel was involved in the Eagles, VFW and the Field Club. Before Laurel developed an interest in cooking, his children have fond memories of going to Pizza Hut with him when they were young and eating barbeque pizza. Laurel and Brenda enjoyed taking trips to Adventureland Park every year and would come back with an armful of stuffed animals they had won. They also enjoyed going out to eat at Romeos. Laurel was a simple man who didn’t need anything fancy, as evidenced by his enjoyment of beer that came in the white cans with just the word BEER written on it. Laurel was also very laid back, kind-hearted and soft spoken; he rarely got angry with people, but he could be very stubborn. He will be remembered for the love he showed to his family and his hardworking character. Laurel was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Florence Rieck; brother, Rick Rieck; and sister-in-law, Marty Rieck. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Rieck; children, Loren (Norma) Rieck, Lori (Steve) Classen, and Melissa “Missy” Cerny; stepchildren, Marshall (Angie) Hughes, Christopher (Michele) Hughes, and Barbara (Aaron) Birdeno; grandchildren, Damian, Dominik, Karissa, Nicholas, Kaiden, Shaunee, Clay, Blake, and Levi; step grandchildren, Alexandra, Abigail, Analiesa, Tricia, Creighton, Taylor, Jayden, and Brianna; brothers, Arlyn Rieck, Carl (Gay) Rieck, Marlin (Linda) Rieck, and Gale (Michaeline) Rieck; sister-in-law, Betty Rieck; nieces, nephews, and cousins. A visitation will be held from 6-8 PM on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Reichmuth Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Reichmuth Funeral Home. Interment at Omaha National Cemetery at 12:30 PM with military honors by the United States Air Force and Millard American Legion Post 374. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Laurel Leo Rieck

April 29, 1939 - March 16, 2024