Gerald A. “Jerry” Riniker, age 83, of Durango, IA, completed his earthly journey on March 31, 2024, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  Per Jerry’s wish, there will be no public service.  However, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jerry’s family.

Jerry was born on November 23, 1940, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Mathew V. and Marie R. Riniker.  He was truly blessed to spend his entire 83 years of this life on the family farm which he considered to be home on every level.  Jerry was a proud graduate of the Loras Academy where he completed his ROTC training and went on to honorably serve his country with the U.S. Navy.  He met the love of his life, Judith A. Walsh at the Melody Mill and they were united in marriage on August 25, 1962.  They were blessed with three children of their own raising the next generation on the family farm.  There were countless wonderful memories that we have from dad as he worked so hard instilling in all of us an incredible work ethic always reminding us, “an idle mind is a devil’s workshop”.  Even spending winters in Aho, AZ, for over twenty years in retirement; Jerry’s heart never left the farm as he spent over a decade working for Flynn Ready Mix and the Dubuque Community School District as a bus driver.

Jerry always had a smile on his face and made countless friends throughout his life.  A little socializing with family and friends with a cold cocktail in hand were always a welcome addition to any day.  Throw a little Willie Nelson in the background and Jerry would say life was good and how could it possibly get any better.  He was naturally gifted; Jack of all trades you might say, he believed we should do it ourselves as “home is where we hang our hats.”  Never backing down from a good challenge and a chance to show off his skills including a little woodworking, crafting bird houses, nativity scenes, and cabinets.

It is a lesser world today without Jerry’s physical presence.  Thankfully, the love and lessons he leaves behind, along with his spirit of excellence will be clearly visible in the lives of all who knew and loved him.  Thank you, Jerry, for living a complete and honorable life as a true reminder to all who found their way into your world that life does not intrinsically require complications, but rather only a simple acknowledgment of the things which truly matter. We will miss you more than words could ever depict and now wait patiently to be reunited with your joyful spirit once again. 

Surviving family members,

his loving wife of 61 years,

Judith A. Riniker, Durango, Iowa;

his three children,

Tammy (Keith) Kloser, Durango, Iowa,

Geraldine “Geri” (Michael Johnson) Schilling- Johnson, Dubuque, Iowa,

and Patrick “Pat” (Sarah) Riniker, Napa, Idaho;

his fifteen grandchildren,

Amanda (Matt) Kloser, Audrey (Josh) Rawson, Adam (Hannah) Kloser, Sydnie (special friend Seth) Schilling, Spencer Schilling, Kenny (fiancé Brittany) Johnson, Calvin Johnson, Addison Johnson, Samantha (Eugene) Butler, Chris (Kabrina) Riniker, Jack (Heather) Riniker, Matt Riniker, Hannah (Jacob) Kosmann, Isaac Riniker, and Evie Riniker;

his nine great-grandchildren;

his sister,

Rose Marie (Mervin) Theill, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended families, friends, and neighbors.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter in infancy, Susan Mary Riniker; a sister, Karen (Jerry) Smith; and a brother, Mathew Riniker, Jr.

Jerry’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Jerry’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com