Trending
BROOKLYN CENTER formerly of FAIRMONT -- A Celebration of Life Service for Elizabeth "Bette" M. Rieke, age 103, of Brooklyn Center, Minn., formerly of Fairmont, Minn., will be 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont with interment in Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Bette died at Maranatha Care Center in Brooklyn Center, Minn., on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.
Elizabeth Marie Tietz Rieke (Bette) age 103, died peacefully at Maranatha Care Center in Brooklyn Center, Minn. She was born on Feb. 14,1923 in Eldora, Iowa to Herman and Lydia Tietz. After high school, Bette attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she participated in vocal music programs and sorority activities. Bette then transferred to Iowa State to continue studying to be a Kindergarten teacher. There, her brother Bill introduced her to his fellow veterinary student, Ralph Rieke.
Bette and "Doc" were married Aug. 13, 1944, in Eldora, making their home in Fairmont, where Bette helped after hours in his practice and raised four children. Bette was a loving, giving and supportive mother who encouraged her kids in all their endeavors. Bette also loved spending time with her grandchildren, visiting and attending their big events when possible. And she was a faithful fan of Minnesota’s sports teams.
Bette loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. She sang in choirs, sang solos at church, weddings and funerals, and also led sing-a-longs for nursing home residents. She sang tenor with the Keynotes, a barbershop quartet, and directed a prospective Sweet Adelines chorus which performed locally for several years.
In later years, Bette cared for Doc in their home until his death in 2010 at age 94. In 2012, Bette moved closer to family in suburban Minneapolis, living in senior, assisted living and memory care in Presbyterian Homes facilities. She was loved by the staff and known for her deep faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Bette was preceded in death by her parents, brothers William (Betty) and Theodore (Joni) Tietz, her husband, and many friends and relatives.
She is survived by her children: Clark (Robin) Rieke, Todd (Susan) Rieke, Tedd (Nancy) Rieke, and Nan (Mark) Johnson; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two step-grandsons and their families; beloved nieces and nephews.
www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net