William "Bill" J. Riekena

He was born on December 1, 1947, in Peoria, a son of John C. Riekena and Dorothy M. (Fischer) Riekena. Bill married Lynda E. Flexsenhar on July 20, 1973 in Glasford. She survives.

He is also survived by his three children, Crystal (Patrick) Elliott of Mapleton, Travis Riekena of Bethlehem, PA, and Adam Riekena of Peoria; two granddaughters, Kinley and Macie Elliott of Mapleton; two sisters, Nancy Marlow of Cottleville, MO, and Bonnie Mills of Milan; one brother, Raymond (Joyce) Riekena of Canton; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill graduated from Limestone Community High School in 1965. He attended the University of Illinois and Illinois Central College.

Serving his country in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969, Bill was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Retiring from CILCO in 2005 after 34 years as an operation system engineer, Bill last worked several years part-time for Beltone.

A lifetime member of St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glasford, Bill served in numerous capacities over the years, including council member, treasurer, financial secretary and cemetery sexton.

He was a member of the American Legion Limestone Post 979 and the CILCO 50 Year Club.

Bill was a quiet, gentle man with a mischievous nature. His priorities were his family, faith in God and country and kindness to others. Nothing gave him more pleasure than watching his granddaughters’ sporting events and school achievements. He loved to travel, most recently cruising with the family in the Caribbean to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

At the request of Bill, the family wishes to share his love and “Thank You’s” to so many of his caregivers, including all of the staff of Carle 5th floor CVICU, 3rd floor OSF Transitional Hospital, Carle 6th floor Medical and Carle 8th floor ICU. He also pointed out the kindness of PT, OT, lab and X-ray techs, housekeeping, dietary, transporters, etc. He appreciated and loved so many of his caregivers.

Bill's funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 13, 2024, at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glasford. The Rev. Raymond Barclay and Mary Lou Janssen SAM will officiate. His visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at the Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel. An additional visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Burial with full military honors will be in St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, 13221 W. Todd School Road, Glasford, IL 61533.

Online condolences may be shared with Bill's family at www.Davison-Fulton-BartonvilleChapel.com