Douglas Edward Rieker, 74 years old, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, January 14, 2024 after a four year battle with diabetes and stage four kidney failure, doing dialysis three days a week.

Doug was born September 22, 1949 in Bismarck, North Dakota to Edward and Ann Kleiter Rieker. The older of two brothers, he graduated from Billings Senior high in 1967. Doug met the love of his life in Bridger, Montana twirling dough at the pizza parlor/game room he managed. On August 6, 1970 he married Carol Jean Ruff at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Billings Montana. Their marriage lasted for over 30 years until her untimely death in 2003, from that union they had two children, Shane and Jason.

Road construction became his lifelong occupation starting with Gene Wuertz Construction running equipment. Followed by Empire Sand and Gravel, where he became an asphalt foreman and later job superintendent. In 2007 he joined Riverside Sand Gravel as Project Manager with many loyal friends, who placed their trust in him for his devoted work ethic and superior knowledge in road construction, which he was more than happy to share with many even well after his retirement in 2009. If you worked with Doug, you knew there was two ways to do something “Doug’s way or the wrong way.”No one knew this more than his two sons!

Doug was well known and respected in the construction industry which also meant if he was out of town, or out of state he would always see someone he knew.

Doug loved the outdoors and spending time with family. Camping (singing Boxcar Willie), fishing, four wheeling, riding motorcycles and hunting, (with his favorite shot, out the window.)

Doug also enjoyed playing bingo and poker as well as his favorite, slot machines, he loved watching old western shows. He was a master craftsman doing wood, metal/welding work, he was always building things for people, from birdhouses to hand-railings. No job was ever too big or small. He was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Yankees. Doug was strong willed, and stubborn at times but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor, he would never pass up the chance to tell a joke (if you heard one, it was probably inappropriate.)

Doug is preceded in death by his father; mother, wife, brother, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws.

Doug is survived by his two sons, Shane and Jason (Lynette) Rieker, his two very special grandsons, Kyren and Teige and the light of his life granddaughter, Cora Jean Marie.

Doug is also survived by several sister-in-law‘s brother-in-law‘s and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and also his lifelong best friends, Will and Rhonda Wipf and their children. Thank you so much for being there always, you were like another aunt and uncle in our family.

Also a special thanks to his neighbors for helping him when he needed it. I cannot thank you all enough, and also everyone at dialysis for your devotion over the years. He will be deeply missed by many.

As for myself his son Jason, I can never be grateful enough to my father for everything that you have taught me, it has truly made me into the man I am today. I am very grateful to have had you in my life with all of your knowledge and wisdom. You have given me so much. It has been an honor and privilege, to have worked with you for over half my career. I know you will be always looking over us, but I am also relieved that you are with the ones you have lost, and missed the most. I will love you forever Dad, until my dying day. Rest in peace, father.

Cremation has taken place and a service will be held at Harvest Church 1235 W Wicks Ln. on February, 23 at 4:00 p.m. with food service to follow.