Dorothy Marie Rieke

Dorothy Marie Rieke, age 75, of Belle, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on August 18, 2025. She was born on June 27, 1950, in Washington, Missouri, to the late Victor and Alice (Scego) Havelka.

Dorothy was a devoted member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Belle, where her strong faith and commitment to fellowship were guiding forces in her life. She lived with a true servant’s heart—always putting others before herself and offering warmth and kindness to everyone she met.

On September 27, 1970, Dorothy married the love of her life, Donald A. Rieke. Together, they shared 55 years of marriage and raised three beloved children: Colonel Toni Rieke of Louisville, Kentucky; Jeffrey Rieke and his wife Nicole of Manassas, Virginia; and Dustin Rieke of Montgomery City, Missouri.

Dorothy dedicated over 40 years to public service with the State of Missouri, including 35 years with the Missouri Department of Corrections. Most recently, she served with pride and dedication at Algoa Correctional Center, where she was a valued team member and respected Personnelist. Dorothy’s work ethic, loyalty, and care for her colleagues left a lasting impression. She retired in January of this year—reluctantly—because she truly loved her work and the people she served.

Family was at the heart of everything Dorothy did. She was a proud and loving mother and grandmother, and her joy was found in the time spent with her loved ones. Her homemade pastries were legendary in the family, and her grandchildren especially treasured her hot chocolate and chicken noodle soup. She was rarely seen without a Diet Pepsi in hand. A proud patriot, Dorothy deeply valued her country and the freedoms it represents.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Donald; her three children; and her seven cherished grandchildren: Chloe Sooter, Nicolas Cuneo, Gavin Greife, Alexander Johnson, Miley Rieke, Brody Rieke, and Sophie Rieke. She is also survived by her siblings: Virginia McHugh, Vickie Robbins, and Ronald Havelka and his wife Susan.

Dorothy’s legacy is one of unconditional love, unwavering service, and steadfast strength. She will be missed dearly and remembered always.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Sassman's Funeral Home in Belle, Missouri. A funeral service celebrating her life will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Belle.

In lieu of flowers donations in Dorothy’s memory to the Mount Calvary Lutheran Church Cemetery Lanes Prairie Fund at PO Box 833 Belle, MO 65013 or to the United Service Organization (USO) at https://give.uso.org dedicated to Dorothy Rieke.

Arrangements are under the care of Sassman’s Chapel, Belle, Missouri. For more information, please call (573) 859-3845 or visit www.sassmanschapel.com.