Julia Catherine Rietcheck, age 94, of Oakley, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the Logan County Hospital, Oakley, surrounded by family.
She was born July 6, 1923 in Park, KS to David and Lydia (Scherr) Cooksey. Julia grew up in Park and married Fred Rietcheck on October 27, 1947 in Park. They were blessed with 7 children.
Julia graduated salutatorian of her class from Park High School. She then traveled to Washington D.C. to work as a secretary at the Pentagon during WWII. She returned to Oakley, married, and worked as a homemaker, and later, as a secretary at the Logan County Extension Office for 17 years. She loved music, played the piano, and loved to dance with Fred. She was an avid bowler, played cards, especially bridge, until age 93. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Altar Society.
Julia was a loving Mother and a fun, devoted Grandma. She enjoyed having family come to visit for big holiday gatherings where she entertained with wonderful food and lively board games and pitch matches. Julia’s faith and family were an important part of her life.
Julia’s husband, Fred, died in 2012. Her son, David, and daughter, Joan Baalman, preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her brothers: Bud, Bob, Gig, and Jim Cooksey, and sisters: Aderea Hartman and Tema Poindexter.
Survivors include her sons: Roger of Lawton, OK, Thomas of Lake Tahoe, NV, John of San Francisco, CA, and Jerry (wife Jocelyn) of Lawrence, daughter, Jane Rietcheck of Oakley; four grandchildren: Rodney, Sean, Julia, and Jordan; four great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 23, 2018, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Oakley, with Fr. Donald Pfannenstiel officiating. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visitation: Thursday, February 22nd, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, with a rosary/wake service at 7:00 p.m. Memorials: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and St. Joseph’s School may be sent to the Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, PO Box 221, Oakley, KS 67748.
Online guest book. www.kennedykosterfh.com