Marc Kimm Rieke

Born on April 20, 1948, in Houston, Texas to Kathryn Elsbeth Kimm and Robert Rudolph Rieke, Marc was the youngest of three children. He had a close relationship with his sister Marian who was nine years older and who he often referred to as “Mom” while growing up. Living in Houston his entire life, Marc attended Grady Elementary, T.H. Rogers Junior High, and Robert E. Lee High School. At six foot seven, he was a natural basketball player and had fond memories of playing for the Lee Generals.

Marc attended Southern Methodist University and in the Fall of his Freshman year he met the love of his life, Susan Whedon Howse. College sweethearts, they were married before their senior year on August 9, 1969, and were just days shy of their 54th wedding anniversary at his passing. Marc graduated from SMU with Bachelor of Science degrees in Mathematics and Political Science and then received his Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from the University of Texas at Austin.

Marc and Susan moved back home to Houston for his first job as a Certified Public Accountant at Price Waterhouse. Their first child, Leslie, was born in 1972, and “surprise” twins, Brian and Laura, followed in 1975. They built a wonderful home in Village Place where they lived for close to 40 years. The friendships they established with their neighbors there are still some of their strongest and most valued connections.

Marc was a hard worker, diligent researcher, and detail-oriented employee. After leaving Price Waterhouse, he spent many years in the role of Chief Financial Officer for several companies including Seiscom Delta, Texas Marine Supply, INTEC Engineering Group, Fresh America Corp., and ThirstEnders International. He discovered during his career that he was skilled at providing financial guidance to emerging companies to aid in their growth and development.

Marc took full advantage of his free time. He coached many of his children’s sports teams and planned family outings on the weekends. During the summer, he would map out three-week family road trips across the United States where National Parks and historical landmarks were always on the list. He loved to play golf, build things on his own, and spend time with friends. Marc was actively involved with the Rotary Club for many years serving as the Chair for the Lombardi Award and as the organization’s Treasurer. He was a member of the Falcon Point Club where he volunteered on the wine committee and made dear friends with what would become the Y8 group. He was a huge supporter of the Houston arts and a faithful fan of all Houston sports teams.

Marc survived multiple cancers and he made the most of the extra time he was given. Traveling was a love of his and he and Susan booked trip after trip to explore new places and create lasting memories together. His interest in photography went hand in hand with their travels, and he filled a bookshelf with all the photo albums from their adventures. Their last big vacation was to Egypt in 2020 which they had to cut short because of the Covid shutdowns.

Of all his achievements, his greatest was his family. He was a devoted and loving husband to Susan, an amazing provider and father to Leslie, Brian, and Laura, and the biggest supporter and best Paw (his grandfather name) to the Magnificent Seven - Kate, Thomas, Mary Lacy, Carter, Helen, Ashby and Max. There was not an event or game that he was not in the audience for or along the sidelines to cheer on his grandkids. They were the joy of his life, and he was so proud of each one of them. Marc created Cousin Camp, a week-long family trip in August for his family of fifteen and it was the highlight of his year.

Marc had a smart and dry sense of humor and wit. He was well-versed in politics, current events, and the stock market. He was a long-time member of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, and his faith was important to him. He was a generous and dedicated man and his goal in life was to care for his family and keep them safe. When Susan developed Alzheimer’s, he became a patient companion and an attentive caregiver. Even when his own health began to fail, he always showed up for her and made her smile.

Marc was preceded in death by his parents, Kathryn and Robert Rieke, and his aunt, Charlotte Kimm. He is survived by his wife, Susan Howse Rieke, his children - Leslie Rieke Jackson (Jack), Brian Marc Rieke (Lacy), and Laura Rieke Church (Walter) and his grandchildren - Katherine Paige Jackson, Thomas Walker Jackson, Mary Lacy Rieke, Carter Brian Rieke, Helen Garner Rieke, Joseph Ashby Church, and Maxwell Marc Church. He is also survived by his sister Marian Rieke Naber and brother Robert David Rieke, as well as his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and celebration of Marc’s life is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive in Houston. Immediately following, friends and family are invited to gather and share remembrances of Marc during a reception to be held at The Forest Club, 9950 Memorial Drive in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family suggests memorials to the following: Alzheimer’s Association - alz.org; The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research – michaeljfox.org; or The Houston Zoo - houstonzoo.org.