Gary Martin Riecke, of Green Valley, Arizona, passed away at home on March 2, 2025. He was 82.

Gary was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on November 9, 1942, to Celestine and Martin Riecke. A spirited child, Gary could liven up any setting, from Holy Thursday mass to study hall. After graduating high school in 1960, he met Beverly Titus at a dance at the Mitchell Corn Palace. They were married in 1963, and together, they raised three sons. Gary served as an enthusiastic Boy Scout leader to his children, albeit one who permitted pranks on sleeping scouts on the scout bus. No matter how busy the family got, he, Beverly, and their boys treated family dinner time as both a nonnegotiable and a joy.

The family relocated to Lincoln, Nebraska in 1978. As his children grew up and he embraced his role as a grandfather, Gary continued both his career as a printer and his philosophy of "have fun where you can." Indeed, whether he was rolling a forklift over a swathe of bubblewrap at work, teaching grade school-aged grandchildren how to turn wood, or trapshooting, he made potentially dangerous activities both safe and memorable. He and Beverly supported one another in faith and an impressive array of creative pursuits.

In 2015, Gary and Beverly moved to Green Valley full-time. Gary claimed that he "strapped a snow shovel to the car and kept driving until someone said 'what's that?'" In his new home, he delighted in providing maintenance and instruction to the Green Valley Recreation Wood Shop, learning about desert flora and fauna; and cooking his signature gumbo for visiting loved ones.

Gary is survived by his wife, Beverly; three sons and their respective partners, Jon and Tracy, Craig and Amy, and Bret and Lisa; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. All will treasure his memory, not by eating creamed peas on toast, but by trying to face challenges with his signature blend of faith, humor, and kindness.

A funeral Mass will take place on March 11, 2025 at 11AM (rosary at 10:30AM) at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, Green Valley, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, Mass intentions can be offered for Gary, or contributions can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Our Lady of the Valley.