Fred Riker

FREDERICK "FRED" RIKER, age 77, died Wednesday, September 19, 2007, at his home following a courageous battle with emphysema and cancer. Fred was born June 1, 1930, in rural Kiester, MN, the son of Reuben and Dene (Blom) Riker. He was raised in Bricelyn and later on a farm southeast of Frost, where he attended and graduated from Frost High School in 1948/ Fred drove truck for Brekke and Quamm and then worked for the Rural Electric Association prior to serving in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in French Morroco, North Africa. He returned home to marry Peggy McLaughlin on May 23, 1953 at Good Shephard Episcopal Church in Blue Earth. Immediately after the marriage the couple moved to Willmington, Ohio where Fred completed his duty with the Air Force. Upon returning to Blue Earth in the mid 1950''s, he worked in the Highway/Heavy Construction beginning with P.H. Thompson & Son for 10 years. His remaining career was with D.H. Blattner & Sons of Avon, MN. Fred retired in 1996, residing in Blue Earth.Fred is survived by his wife, Peggy Riker of Blue Earth, one daughter, Barb (& husband Jeff) Schaper of Blue Earth, one son, Mike (& wife Deanna) Riker of New Prague, four grandchildren: Kayla & Danny Schaper and Kate & Michael Riker.He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Susan Elizabeth- who is buried in Wilmington, Ohio, his parents, his mother & father-in-law: Merle & Mertie (True) McLaughlin and a sister-in-law, Nancy Schonrock.