Clarence Riekena

In Loving Memory of Clarence Riekena

Clarence Riekena, passed away on December 18, 2023, at the age of 94 in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. His life was marked by hard work, and an unwavering commitment to his family and friends.

Clarence was born on July 3, 1929, in Woden, Iowa, to Joe and Gesena (Ohden) Riekena. He graduated high school from Crystal Lake, Iowa. On February 13, 1954, he married Joyce Anderson at the United Methodist Church in Forest City, Iowa. Together they raised a loving and devoted family in Forest City.
Clarence served during the Korean War effort from 1951 to 1953. Clarence was known as a hard worker, spending time farming before working at Smith Firestone and Forester Travel Trailers. He eventually opened his own RV repair shop, Clarence’s RV and Repair. Even after “retiring”, Clarence continued to stay busy working for Keeper RV in Mankato, MN and volunteering for several organizations.

After retiring, Clarence and Joyce moved to their cabin on Lake Jefferson, MN where they enjoyed time with friends and family. During the winter months, he enjoyed spending time with family and grandchildren in Arizona.

Clarence’s strong work ethic and love of family were passed onto his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his son Charles (Ann) Riekena (Mesa, AZ), granddaughter Abbie Riekena (Gilbert, AZ), grandson Quinn (Kelsey) Riekena (Tempe, AZ) and great-granddaughter Amelia. He is also survived by his daughter Debra (Rod) Smith (Altoona, IA), granddaughter Jessie Smith (Nate Hemmingsen) (Sioux City, IA), four great-grandchildren Maddie, Alex, Hayden, and Hannah, a great-great-grandson Roman, grandson Ryan (Gabby) Smithman (Des Moines, IA) and great-granddaughter Riley. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Clarence will be remembered for his passion for woodworking and stained glass, spending hours in his workshop at Real Life in Mankato, MN where he moved in 2012. He never met a stranger and made friends no matter where he went, including making many new friends when he moved to Pleasant Hill, Iowa in 2022.
Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, his parents Joe and Gesena, five brothers: Ben (Doris), Rank, Wendel, Pete, John (Wilma), and one sister, Mary (Roy) Ausenhus, along with his
nephew, Ron Riekena.

A Celebration of Clarence's life will be held Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, 305 S. Clark Street in Forest City, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to one of the following organizations in memory of Clarence Riekena.
• Hospice at UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. Please make checks payable to UnityPoint Health – Des Moines and mail to: 1415 Woodland Ave., Suite E-200 Des Moines, IA 50309 or donate online at https://www.unitypoint.org/giving/unitypoint-health-des-moines-foundation/donate
• Hospice at Mayo Clinic Mankato, MN. Please make checks payable to Mayo Clinic and mail to Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 or donate online at https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/
• MercyOne North Iowa Hospice at https://www.mercyone.org/northiowa/find-a-service-or-specialty/hospice-care/donations


Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print