In Memory of Walter “Wally” Rieken

Wally Rieken, age 77, of Isanti passed away unexpectedly July 26, 2026 at home.  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 31st at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Isanti. A time for visiting will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Walter “Wally” Lee Rieken was born on August 17, 1948, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to Walter Floyd and Maerena (Johnson) Rieken. He grew up in Fergus Falls before moving to Bloomington, where he graduated high school in 1967. On May 26, 1973, he married Jacque Lynn Gramer, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, loyalty, and the steady teamwork that carried their family through every season. After living in Burnsville and Champlin, they settled in Isanti in 1978; a home Wally filled with hard work, humor, and unwavering devotion to the people he loved.

Wally spent decades as a Heavy Equipment Operator and took great pride in being a Local 49er. He was one of the hardest workers anyone could meet: steady, skilled, and always willing to put in the extra effort. At home, his happiest hours were in the pole barn, surrounded by tools, tractors, and whichever shop cat had claimed him for the day (especially Smokey). But his greatest joy was his family. He showed his love through the work of his hands, the reliability of his presence, and the quiet ways he made life better for everyone around him.

Wally passed away unexpectedly surrounded by his family at home on July 26, 2026, at 77 years, 11 months, and 9 days. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Jacque; children, Tricia Rieken, Todd (Melissa) Rieken, and Jennifer (Craig) Nystrom; sister, Patricia Staff; grandchildren, Emily and Allie Nystrom; Ella, Andrew, Brynna, and Avery Rieken; and many relatives and friends who will remember his kindness, his humor, his unmatched work ethic, and the deep love he carried for his family.