Kathleen Joan Riecke passed away on August 16, 2026 at the age of 92.
Kathy was born in Cole Camp, Missouri, in April 1934, the only child of Ralph and Ruby Eckhoff. She grew up in the Cole Camp community, where as a Girl Scout she gathered materials around town for the war effort and later sold popcorn at the local movie theater. She graduated from Cole Camp High School, where she met her beloved husband, Melvin (Mel) E. Riecke. They married in 1950 and shared nearly 65 years together before Mel passed away in June 2015.
Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Mel; their loving daughter, Kathryn (Kay) Tobaben, who passed away in the summer of 2025; and her parents, Ralph and Ruby Eckhoff.
She is survived by her son-in-law, Rod Tobaben; her sons, Melvin E. (Gene) Riecke II and his wife, Susy De Silva Riecke, and Randall Riecke and his wife, Sue Korioth; nine grandchildren, Ryan Tobaben and his wife, Melissa, Travis Tobaben and his wife, Brooke, Chris Tobaben and his wife, Hannah, January Zell and her husband, Rob, Melvin E. (Tre) Riecke III and his wife, Clare, Thomas Riecke, Jenny Riecke and her husband, Ian McGinley, and Scarlet and Sebastian Price; and ten great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Kennedy, Zoey, Augustus, Tanner, Autumn, True, Brady, Pippa, and Charlotte.
Kathy was a devoted homemaker who also worked alongside her husband in supporting his businesses in the paper and packaging industry for 60 years. She began her working life as a bank teller in Kansas City, and early in their marriage, she and Mel began moving around the country as his career grew and they raised their family. Over the years, they made their homes in Missouri, Kansas, Mississippi, and Illinois before eventually settling in Texas in 1974, where they remained.
Above all, Kathy was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. She lovingly cared for both of her parents into their 80s and 90s, cared for Mel especially during his final years, and was always there for friends and neighbors who needed her. She worked tirelessly to make sure her family always had a warm and welcoming place to gather for holidays, celebrations, and special occasions.
Kathy was also very active in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) at each of the churches she and her family attended over the years. She found happiness in life’s simple joys—baking, gardening, reading, quilting, caring for her pets, and, most of all, spending time with the people she loved.
Kathy lived her life caring for others and putting family first. Her kindness, generosity, and selflessness were an example to everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.
She was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Waxahachie, where funeral services were held on Saturday August 22, 2026, officiated by Rev. Joe Mashburn. She was buried with her husband at Myrtle Cemetery in Ennis, Texas. Pallbearers were Ryan, Travis, and Chris Tobaben, Tre’ and Thomas Riecke. Honorary pallbearers were Melvin Eugene (Gene) Riecke II, Randall Riecke and Rod Tobaben. Arrangements were through Gene Bullard, Jr. at Paschal Funeral Home in Kerens. Memorial donations can be made to the ASPCA or Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML).
