Joanne M. Rieker, 93, of Grand Island, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at CHI Health—St. Francis in Grand Island with her husband and family by her side.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home in St. Paul.

Interment was held at the Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul.

Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.

Joanne was born on December 8, 1931, to Anton and Millie (Starkey) Smydra on the family farm near Boelus. She received her education from Loup City, graduating in 1948. Joanne was united in marriage to Wayne Rieker on June 5, 1976 in Grand Island.

Joanne was an animal lover and especially loved her pets. A pet never went unfed or unsheltered within her reach. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 119 in St. Paul. Her hobbies included crocheting, going out for a drive, and going out to eat with family and friends.

Those left to cherish Joanne’s memory include her husband, Wayner Rieker of Grand Island; son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Cayle Townsend of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, Nellie Townsend and Emma Byrnak of Colorado; great-grandson, Eli Byrnak of Colorado; sister-in-law, Cecelia Smydra of Boelus; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; special friends, Darrel and Georgene Teller of Rapid City, South Dakota, Kent Sanders of Illinois, Lawrence Syzdik of Cairo, Cindy Larsen of Grand Island, and Lee Anna Koperski of Farwell; and her beloved dog, Rosie.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Millie Smydra; sister, Joyce Smydra; brother, Don Smydra; and special friends, Wilma and Jess Poss.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.jacobsengreenway. com