WALDECK, Gretta (Riker), age 93, passed away peacefully August 8, 2012 to meet her loving Savior.
She was born October 14, 1918 in Gratiot County, the youngest and last surviving child of Charles and Alberta (Beeson) Langworthy. She was predeceased by her husbands, Othal Riker and Raymond Waldeck, son David Riker and step-son James Waldeck.
Though small in stature she was tenacious in spirit with a warm smile and sense of humor that diffused many a tense situation. She was an accomplished seamstress and loved to winter at Terra Siesta Park in Ellenton, Florida. She was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church in Wyoming.
Gretta is survived by her daughters, Judith (Kenneth) Gager of Rockford, and Kathy (Greg) Heibel of Wyoming; grandchildren Michael (Sandi) Gager of Rockford, Wendy (John) Sinicki of Jackson, Steve (Darci) Gager of Holland; Anthony Riker of Garret Park, Maryland; Timothy Riker of Sacramento, California; Sarah and Robert Heibel of Wyoming; seven great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as members of the Waldeck family.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 11 at Grace Lutheran Church, 150 50th St. SW, Wyoming with Rev. John Diener officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m.
The family acknowledges and appreciates the loving care of the Rose Garden Homes staff in Grandville where Gretta lived since 2004. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Grace Lutheran Church are suggested.
