Claude “Les” Riker, 84, of Dodge Center, MN passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Our Home Memory Care in Austin, MN to natural causes.
Les was born on April 25, 1940, in the city of Kalamazoo, MI, to parents Claude and Opal (Bunker) Riker. Les’s formative years were spent in Michigan where he developed his lifelong passion for the automotive industry. He met Nancy Greenslade-Kelly in 1968, by the encouragement of his sister, Myrna. Soon after, Les and Nancy made the decision to move to Minnesota to raise their families jointly, where their relationship blossomed into a 56-year marriage. In 1975, Les accepted a position as a mechanic for Pepsi-Cola in Rochester, which led them to Kasson, MN. While in Kasson, Les pursued his desire to start his own automotive repair business from his home garage. In retirement, Les spent his free time camping, assembling puzzles, putzing around in the garage, and spending time with his family.
Les is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Riker; children, Brian Riker of Missouri, Julie (Brian) Duerr-Riker of Rochester, MN, Joe (Joanie) Riker of Rochester, MN, Shawn (Raelynn) Kelly of Lakeville, MN, Chad Riker of Colorado, Lynae Kelly of Austin, MN, and Ben (Jill) Riker of Mantorville, MN; 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Opal and siblings, Bill and Myrna.
A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE in Kasson, MN.
To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN (507)634-6510. Blessed be his memory.
