Vera J. Rieken

 Vera June (Piper) Rieken, one of 5 children of Fred and Velma (Ruhl) Piper, was born December 2, 1936, on the family farm northwest of Johnson, Nebraska.

 Vera was baptized at the Brock Methodist Church. She was very active in the church while growing up, attending Sunday School, singing in the choir, and later teaching Sunday School and Bible School. It was there she discovered her love for teaching. She attended Brock Consolidated School for 13 years, receiving her high school diploma on May 12, 1955. She graduated as Valedictorian of her class. Vera attended Peru State College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

 Vera was united in marriage to Henry Rieken of Johnson, Nebraska at the Brock Methodist Church on July 31, 1956. After their marriage they lived in Germany, where Hank was stationed, and moved back to the Johnson area after his service to his country. They would be blessed with two children, Cheryl and Craig.

 She taught at District 42 in Johnson County for 20+ years. She was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Johnson, where she served as Sunday School Superintendent and taught Sunday School and Bible School. In 1979 Vera was named “Outstanding Woman of the Year” by the Johnson Area Mrs. JayCees.

 Henry and Vera farmed for 40+ years. Vera helped with the farming and with stalk baling.

 Vera enjoyed camping, casinos, traveling, shopping, spending time with family, and watching Nebraska football and volleyball.

 Surrounded by her family, Vera passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the age of 87 years, 9 months, and 2 days in Auburn, Nebraska.

 She is preceded in death by her husband Henry, daughter Cheryl (Wayne) Gerdes, parents Fred and Velma, brothers Marion (Margaret) and Kenneth Piper, brother-in-law Darrell Gerdes, father- and mother-in-law Rieke and Tina Rieken, brothers- and sisters-in-law Adolph Rieken, Geiko (Dora) Rieken, Harvey Hahn, Leroy (Janet) Fletchall, Don (Alice) Harms, Ann Wagner, Larry Lotter, John Rieken, Marvin Green, Ray Thomsen, Harley (Frances) Goings.

 Vera is survived by her son Craig (Gina) Rieken; grandchildren Trisha (Joel) Kelsay, Tonya (Chris) Kramer, Brian (Natalie) Gerdes, Shari (Craig) Aue, Ashley Caspers, Amber (Casey) Thompson, Cody Kite, Dawn (Travis) Blex; 11 great grandchildren; sister Doris Gerdes; brother Jack (Linda) Piper; sisters-in-law Peg Thomsen, Tena Green, Lena Lotter, Irene Rieken, Irene Piper; many other relatives and friends. 

A funeral service will be Saturday, September 7, 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Johnson. Burial will follow in the Johnson Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home Friday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 5:00 to 7:00.

Vera's service will be livestreamed via St. Matthew Lutheran Church Facebook page.  

Memorials are suggested to Johnson Quick Response Team, Johnson Cemetery, or St. Matthew Lutheran Church.