DeVere Ralph Riekenberg

DeVere Ralph Riekenberg, 75, Hanover, Kan., died Saturday, December 20, 2008, at Lincoln, Nebraska. A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 23, 2008, at the Trinity Lutheran Church north-east if Hanover. The Rev. Rodney Fritz officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery. DeVere Ralph Riekenberg was born on December 19, 1933, on the family farm near Bremen, Kansas, the infant son of Alphons Riekenberg and his wife Clara Drinkgern Riekenberg. He received his gift of eternal life on December 20, 2008 while a patient at Bryan Memorial Hospital in Lincoln Nebraska. DeVere was 75 years and 2 days old. He was Baptized into the Christian faith on December 31, 1933 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bremen, Kansas, by the Rev. A.C. Traugott. His sponsors were Friedrich Drinkgern and Ralph Riekenberg. DeVere was confirmed in his Christian faith on March 30, 1947 at Immanuel Lutheran by Pastor Traugott. On February 6, 1955 DeVere was united in marriage to Verna Knabe, the service conducted at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bremen, Kansas, by the Rev. A.H. Fuhr. DeVere operated the family farm. He also worked for the Union Pacific Railroad, worked for the Hanover Coop, for the Hanover Elevator, and at the Richter Pallet Factory. He served his country as a member of the National Guard. He served his Lord and his congregation as a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, a member of the Building Committee, and as a member of Trinity Lutheran Parent/Teacher League, as Treasurer of the congregation, member of the Horseshoe Farmer's Band, and a member of Trinity Men's Club. His hobbies included Gardening and spending time with his Grandchildren. DeVere was preceded in death by his parents, Alphons and Clara; one brother, Milton; one sister, Geraldine Stohs; brother-in-law, Merlin Stohs; and one granddaughter, Ashley Pralle. He is survived by his children, Renae Tegtmeier and husband Rev. Norbert of Emporia, KS; Ryan Riekenberg and wife Marcia of Hanover; Robyn Riekenberg and wife Rhonda of Beatrice, NE, and Regina Pralle and husband Jon of Hanover; brother, Kermit Riekenberg and wife Rose of Hanover; sister-in-law, Bernice Wieters of Lanham, NE; 12 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and many friends. A memorial fund has been established and contributions may be sent in care of the Hanover Mortuary. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of DeVere Ralph Riekenberg, please visit our flower store.