John Charles Riek

John Charles Riek (1948-2025) John Charles Riek was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Charles and Bernice Riek. John attended Toledo Rogers High School before attending the University of Toledo and the University of Michigan to study education.

John worked most of his career serving Grand Blanc Community Schools as a teacher, administrator, and coach. He loved teaching social studies and science and built strong relationships with students and colleagues. John’s biggest point of pride was being the assistant coach for the Grand Blanc Cross Country and Track teams. In 1977 and 1979, the Grand Blanc Cross Country Team were State Champions. John was immensely honored when he and the 1977 Grand Blanc Cross Country Team were inducted into the Greater Flint Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.

While working at Grand Blanc High School, John met his wife, Mickie Riek, to whom he was married for 54 years. The same house they bought when they married provided a much-loved place to raise a family and host milestone events as they grew. In his younger years, John enjoyed a summer garden, hit thousands of ground balls to his children in the backyard, and was his children’s and grandchildren’s super fan in sports and life. In his later years, he continued to enjoy watching sports, most especially his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. John was also a lifelong student of history and enjoyed drawing, reading, and his yardwork.

John was preceded in death by Charles Riek (father), Bernice Riek (mother), Terrence Riek (brother), and Geoffrey Riek (nephew). John is survived by Mickie Riek (wife), Erin O’Connor (daughter), Ryan O’Connor (son-in-law), Cameron and Katie O’Connor (grandchildren), Matthew Riek (son), Bess Riek (daughter-in-law), Charlie, Molly and Alex Riek (grandchildren), Nathan Riek (son), Kathleen Riek (daughter-in-law), Max and Ramona Riek (grandchildren), Pam Riek (sister-in-law) James Riek (brother), Barb Riek (sister-in-law), and Jennifer Riek (niece), along with additional beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the track and cross country programs of Grand Blanc High School. Donations can be made at the funeral and collected by the family, or checks can be made out to Grand Blanc High School with the recipient team and account number named in the memo line (Boys Cross Country #052, Girls Cross Country #049, or Track and Field #109).

The family would like to thank everyone who has helped care for John over the years, especially Dr. Kevin Youngs, his nurse Sara Parasiliti, and caretaker Margaret Campbell.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on January 10, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Hill Funeral Home, located at 11723 South Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan, 48439.

Following the visitation, a Memorial Service will take place at the same location, beginning at 12:00 noon