Leo Ernest Rieke, 95, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025 in Olathe Kansas. Leo was born on June 24, 1930 in Kansas City, Kansas. He lived a life of quiet strength, unwavering faith, and steadfast devotion. Leo grew up in a world shaped by hard work and deep-rooted values and he carried those forward every day of his 95 years.
Leo wasn’t one to speak his emotions, but he lived them through his actions. A man of principle and presence, he gave his best to the family business, Ernie Rieke Equipment Company, and built a real estate legacy that was less about wealth and more about creating something lasting. He had a love for trucks, mind for deals, and an eye for what worked.
He shared 66 faithful years with his beloved wife, Helen. Together, they raised seven children, watched 18 grandchildren grow, and welcomed 30 great-grandchildren. They raised their family and were active in their church and community, forming lasting friendships along the way. They enjoyed traveling together especially the Lake of the Ozarks and Marco Island.
Leo was curious by nature. He didn’t need grand speeches, he preferred good questions, quiet observations, and long drives in his pickup truck. He loved a well-kept yard, the stillness of early mornings, and the beauty of things built to last.
Leo embodied devotion, balance, and new beginnings. He held space for others with his presence. He balanced life’s extremes. He started cycles others would carry forward. He brought calm, order, and meaning wherever he showed up.
Leo believed in miracles. He once took once his granddaughters to Medjugorje to witness a vision of Mary. That trip lit a spiritual fire in them that burns to this day. He may not have spoken often about faith, but he lived it, one quiet act at a time.
Leo often asked, “Where is heaven?” And the answer is simple: it’s in every heart he ever touched. There is a special place in heaven for a man like him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Heft Rieke; his daughter Patty Regan, his son-in-law Marty Regan, his grandson Donny Goode; his granddaughter Dakota Ellsworth and his parents Ernie and Lucy Rieke. He is survived by six children, Terry Goode (Don), Diane Ellsworth (Dan), Leo Rieke II (Rosie), Kathleen Rieke (Randy Hocking), Chris Jewell (Brian), Bill Rieke (Mona), 18 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and a wide circle of extended family and dear friends. We will miss him deeply.
Leo leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and integrity. His wisdom, humor, and unwavering devotion to those he loved will last with in all of us.
His family would like to thank all of his amazing caregivers who treated him with love, compassion and care, especially Santa Marta & Catholic Community Hospice.
Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a A Mass of Christian burial following at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 29th at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (13615 West 92nd Street, Lenexa, Kansas 66215) and burial following at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery (8300 Quivira Rd. Lenexa, Kansas 66215)
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Santa Marta Benevolent Fund in memory of Leo Rieke (13800 West 116th Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062) and to the Holy Trinity Catholic Church (12615 West 92nd Street, Lenexa, Kansas 66215).