In Loving Memory

Howard Christian Rieckers

Howard Christian Rieckers, 101, passed away peacefully April 2 ^nd , 2022 at his residence in Spokane Valley, Washington. He was born March 20, 1921 in Addy, Washington to Elmer and May (Darringer) Rieckers.

Howard graduated from Chewelah High School, where he played on the football team. He then enlisted in 1944 to serve in the Marines. He proudly served in the south pacific during WWII and participated in action against the enemy at Iwo Jima and the Volcano Islands. After returning from service, Howard married Elizabeth Johnson and the couple had two daughters together, Saundra and Sharron. Following 25 years of marriage, he and his wife divorced. In 1968, he married his sweetheart, Carol Blackenburg. The two were married for 52 years before she died in 2020. Together they raised a daughter, Diana.

Howard worked hard to provide for his family and was involved in many community organizations throughout his lifetime. He spent his career as a draftsman for the Stevens County Road Department. Howard served multiple times as the Northeast Washington Fair Manager, on the board, grounds manager, long range planning committee, the pavilion committee, and was also the Grand Marshal in 1991. He also loved working in the forest and learned everything he knew about forestry from his father, Elmer. Howard was involved in many church activities throughout his life. He was there every Sunday morning when there was snow and made sure the sidewalks outside his church were shoveled. Howard was a lifetime member of his Colville church where he played in the band and never lost his faith.

In all of his work and community activity, Howard found time to enjoy countless hours and adventures in his RV with his wife, Carol. They loved to laugh and care for their family and home together, dedicated to each other and family always. Howard impressed people with his faith and kindness in life and always set the example for others.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and May Rieckers; wife, Carol Rieckers; daughter, Saundra Shaulis; and grandson, Robert Looney.  He is survived by his daughters, Sharron Looney of Vancouver, WA and Diana Deal, Post Falls, ID; his grandsons, Jason McDonough, James McDonough, Britton (Meagan) Deal, Brandon (Jennifer) Deal, Bevin (Gary) Jonas; granddaughters, Becky Swarms and Vicki Kayton; his niece, Althea Statum, and many extended family and friends.

A funeral service for Howard will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 8, 2022 held at Danekas Funeral Chapel in Colville, Washington, with a burial to follow.

Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com .  Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted with the arrangements.