Shirley E. Booker Rieker, 93, of North Platte, NE passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 13, 1928 to Lawrence and Irma (Huenefeld) Fochtman on the family farm near Callaway, NE.
Shirley was married to her first husband Gerald Booker on November 20, 1944 in Norton, KS, and to this union 5 children were born. Following the passing of Gerald in 1995, she met and married Gilbert Rieker on November 29, 2003 in Callaway, and to this marriage an amazing family was added to her family. She was a member of the United Methodist Church at Morning Star, Callaway and later Eustis. Her faith was a very important part of her life. She was a long-time member of the HHH club, Sac-Time Campers Club, and the American Legion Auxiliary in Eustis. Shirley loved children, especially her grandchildren and was known by all as “Grandma Shirley”. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Lawrence and Irma; husbands, Gerald and Gilbert; son, Gerald Roger Booker; sons-in-law, Lee Wayne Knepp and David Nelson; sister, Rosalie Thomas; and brother, Wilfred Fochtman.
Surviving are daughters, Sharon Knepp of North Platte, Beverly Dawson (Oliver) of North Platte, Phyllis Lynch (Chuck) of North Platte and Gaylene Nelson of Oconto; step-children, Edward Rieker of North Platte, Kathleen Becker (Dan) of IL, Alan Rieker (Toni) of Eustis, Janet Nyffeler of Cambridge and Jacqueline Burn (John) of OK; sisters, Lois Oman of Callaway and Doris Hendricks (Walt) of Broken Bow; sisters-in-law, Rose Hirsh and Wanda Booker; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and many other friends and relatives.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 17, 2021 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Job Vigil officiating. Private burial will be held at a later date at Stop Table Cemetery near Callaway. The memorial book will be available to sign on Thursday, December 16th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Morning Star United Methodist Church near Callaway. Arrangements have been entrusted to Carpenter Memorial Chapel.