Edward Dennis "Ed" Riekens

How to summarize such a great man in so few words... Edward Dennis Riekens Jr., 58, of Cheyenne, passed away unexpectedly on April 26, 2024. He was born on August 6, 1965, in Great Falls, Montana to Edward Riekens Sr. and Deloney Riekens (Hendrickson).

Ed was a proud Navy Veteran, serving on the USS E. Montgomery FF-1082 from 1984–1990. Ed had a few careers that he enjoyed throughout his life including fighting fires with the National Forest Service, conducting trains for BNSF Railroad, and put in over 25 years working at Frontier Refinery before retiring as a Head Operator of the Coker.

Ed was an extraordinary outdoorsman, prepared for any and every contingency; he had thought about everything. He loved everything about nature, from the seas to the mountains- he always felt at home. He was passionate about many things: but life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were his core beliefs.

He enjoyed many hobbies like hunting, fishing, camping, shooting guns, archery, working on cars, watching sports, but most of all he enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs DOMINATE the field every week with his children and grandson by his side. He was a Season Pass Ticket Holder with the Kansas City Chiefs for over 10 years, and going to games with his children was one of his greatest pleasures.

Ed genuinely enjoyed working on and talking about cars and sports with his brother, Brad, and reminiscing on good times over cards and lunch with his mother, Del, regularly. He enjoyed cooking for his family, always excited to try a new recipe. He made the best Banana Cream Pie and was a wiz with the smoker. He had a refreshing sense of humor and loved to laugh.

Ed claimed title of the Boone and Crocket #7 American Bison Record in 2007, an immensely proud accomplishment to him.

Ed could do anything he put his mind to, his intellect made him his children’s greatest idol. He absolutely loved being a Papa and sharing his passions and stories with his family. His advice was unparalleled. He was a lover of all animals, big and small.

Boy, did he love music! It seemed like every moment by his side was accompanied by the perfect soundtrack. He always believed there were truly only two genres: Good Music and Bad Music. Despite this belief, Ed knew there was only one King of music - George Strait!

Ed was loved very much and will be tremendously missed.

“Let me tell you a secret, about a father’s love,
A secret that my Daddy said was just between us,
He said Daddies don't just love their children every now and then,
It's a love without end, Amen.”
-George Strait

Ed is survived by his beloved mother, Deloney Riekens (Hendrickson); his cat, Champion (Champ) Riekens; daughter, Madison (Ducky) Riekens; son, Austin (Otter) Riekens, and his children; Quinn Riekens and Remington Riekens; brother, Bradley (Tanya) Riekens, and Bradley's children; Dylan (Kassidy) Riekens and their family and Devin (Adrianna) Riekens and their family; also, his many friends and family members in Wyoming, Iowa, and across the United States.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Riekens Sr.

Ed’s services will be held on May 10, 2024, at 2:00PM at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes in Cheyenne, Wyoming. His reception will follow, to be announced at his service. Anyone who knew or loved him is welcome to attend. We would love for everyone to show up representing their favorite team, as Ed was a huge fan of sports!

He will receive Military Honors at the Cheyenne National Cemetery the following Monday, May 13, 2024, at 2:00PM sharp.

To send the family condolences please visit www.wrcfuneral.com .