Steven T. Riecker

Steven T. Riecker of Thompsonville, Michigan passed away May 11, 2023 at Munson Medical Center following emergency heart surgery. He was 64. Steven was born on August 13, 1958, to Judith (Towsley) Riecker and James Riecker in Ann Arbor, home of his beloved Michigan Wolverines. He graduated from Greenhills School in 1976, and he was a 1980 Graduate of Hillsdale College. Steven was married to Nancy Riecker (Tufts) on December, 23, 1978. They moved north to Traverse City, MI and opened an art gallery, Riecker’s Outdoor Gallery in 1984. Downtown Traverse was a favorite place and topic of conversation for Steven. Over the years, Steven worked in real estate, car sales, and most recently, he followed his passion for golf into a job with the Crystal Mountain golf course grounds crew. Steven loved to talk fishing, especially fly fishing in his favorite rivers and streams along the Betsie and Boardman rivers. He spent many happy years pulling brown trout from the streams and ponds at the Benmark cabin. He also made many fond memories hunting deer in the Upper Peninsula with his deer camp buddies, bringing home just enough venison that he never forgot the taste. In his spare time, Steven liked to golf, and to watch Wolverine football till about the third quarter when, even when they had a lead, he just knew they were going to lose. He was also a man dedicated to the grill and spent years honing his craft and grilling for his family. Steven leaves behind his wife Nancy, two sons, Randall and Micah, and grandsons Vaughn, Frank, and Oscar. He is also survived by mother Judith Dow Rumelhart, and brother Charlie. Steven was preceded in death by his father and grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Harry A. Towsley. The family would like to thank the incredible people at Munson Medical Center for their efforts and kindness. A celebration of Steven's life will be held on Tuesday, May 16 at the First Congregational Church in Frankfort, Michigan. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:30, with a service to follow at 11:30. If you cannot make the service in person but still wish to be a part of it, a livestream will be available via the First Congregational Church’s Facebook page. Those wishing to offer an expression of sympathy, please consider donating to Grow Benzie, the Torch Conservation Club, or the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy in Steven’s honor.

Steven T. Riecker

August 13, 1958 - May 11, 2023