Orville Lee Rieker, 79, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Sunday, January 1, 2012, at Lexington Regional Medical Center in Lexington.     

He was born August 20, 1932, in Eustis, Nebraska to Albert Rieker and Esther Roether Rieker. Orville was the youngest of three children. He was baptized into the family of God at St. John Lutheran Church in Eustis on November 20, 1932, and confirmed his faith in Jesus on May 26, 1946, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington.     

His family lived in Eustis until 1940 when they moved to Sutherland until 1944. From Sutherland, they moved east to Lexington to Joslyn, and in 1958, Orville, his brother, Dean, and his father purchased the ranch near the Buffalo community north of Lexington. Orville married Joan Pedersen on Sunday, December 28, 1959 at the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington. He resided on the ranch until January 2010, when he moved to Park Avenue Estates in Lexington.     

Orville graduated from Lexington High School in 1950. After high school he hauled hay into Kansas. On March 4, 1953, Orville enlisted in the United States Army and finished his tour with the rank of Sergeant 1st Class. Orville served as a cook in Company G 85th Regiment in Fort Riley, Kansas; and was about to be deployed to the Korean Conflict when the armistice was signed. He was released from active duty in January, 1955, and continued in the Army Reserves for 8 years. Orville was very proud of his military service, and served as the Commander for Legion Post #250 in Oconto, NE for many years.     

Orville spent his life helping others from picking watermelon, to helping the neighbor work cattle, to putting up hay. He served on the Farm Bureau Board for over 20 years; and as the President of the AAL/Thrivent for Lutherans. He was one of the original members of the Oconto Rural Fire Dept., and was active up until last year. Anyone new to the neighborhood soon met Orville with an offer to help with anything they might need. Orville served First Lutheran Church, filling many offices over the years.     

Orville is survived by his daughter Peggy Volzke and husband Rev. Greg Volzke of rural Juniata, NE, daughter Bonnie Bennett of Grand Island, NE, son Paul Rieker and wife Cathy of rural Lexington, NE, 8 grandchildren Joelle Knott and husband Andy of Minden, NE, Evan Volzke and fiance' Krista Hollister, Ethan Volzke, Lauren Volzke all of Juniata, NE, Noelle Burns and husband Bret of Lincoln, NE, Dustin Bennett of Kearney, NE, Cody and Tyrel Rieker of rural Lexington, NE; 4 great-grandchildren Hali Knott, Kianna Hellbusch, Olivia Burns, and Brandon Burns; as well as, many nieces and nephews.     

Orville was preceded in death by his parents, wife Joan, brother Dean, and sister Alberta Freed.     

Services will be Friday, January 6, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church at Buffalo, NE with Rev. Victor Rasmussen officiating.     

Interment will be in the church cemetery with Military Honors by Legion Post #250. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 5, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated later.     

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please forward condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.