Herman Benjamin Rieker

Herman Benjamin Rieker, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF Retired, 89. On Monday, April 7, 2008 while at home in Tampa, Florida surrounded by his loving family, friends and caregivers, Ben peacefully joined his Lord. He will be greatly missed by Betty, his devoted wife of 60 years; his brother, John Rieker (Margaret); and many very dear nephews, nieces, cousins, god-children, and friends.
Formerly of Dover, Ohio, Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Elizabeth and Herman Rieker and his brother, James Rieker.
Ben graduated from Dover High School in 1936. His
military career began in the Army Air Corps in 1939. From 1943-1945 he served in the 801st/492nd Bomb Group known as the Carpetbaggers. This was a top-secret clandestine group operating out of England that transported agents, supplies and leaflets behind enemy lines in France and Belgium; destroyed hundreds of enemy supply trains; and supplied fuel to General Patton's tanks as they invaded Germany. They were awarded a Presidential Unit Citation with a cluster, and the French honored them with the Croix de Guerre with a golden palm.
From 1947-1957 he was with the 28th Bomb Group at Ellsworth AFB, Rapid City, SD. He and Betty returned there bi-annually for the group's reunion, renewing lifelong friendships.
From 1957-1960 Ben was assigned to the SNARK missile program followed in 1961-63 by the Atlas missile program. He retired in July, 1963.
Upon returning to Dover, OH, he worked for 11 years at Greer Steel. He and Betty were very active in the Dover VFW Post 3463. A life member, he served as Post Commander from 1980-86 spearheading their building program.
Ben loved children, and having none of his own, he reached out to children in need. At times as many as 6 children who were in need of food, love and guidance were safe in the Rieker home. He knelt to speak to the little ones, never talking down to them.
Ben was a member of Wesley Memorial Methodist Church in Tampa, FL and very active in the Men's Ministry. He epitomized the Christ-like love that sees a need and meets it. His was a life of service to his country, to his family, and to his God.
The family wishes to thank LifePath Hospice Pewter Team for their tender care of Ben during this past year. It is their wish that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to LifePath Hospice, 3010 W. Azeele St., Tampa, FL 33609.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 11:00 am in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes and Crematory at Dover with Rev. Larry Black of the First United Methodist Church in Dover officiating. The eulogy will be given by John Gravlin of Tampa, Florida. Interment will be at the Dover Burial Park where the Dover Post of the VFW will conduct military graveside services. Friends can call at the funeral home on Friday from 6-8 pm. A memorial service will be held at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church in Tampa on Saturday, April 19 at 11:00 am. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Ben may do so by visiting the on line obituaries link on the funeral homes website.

Toland-Herzig
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com