Wayne Riniker, 73

Sept. 13, 1951 – 

May 12, 2025

CRESCO- Wayne Riniker, 73, of Cresco, Iowa, passed away on May 12, 2025, at Regional Health Services of Howard County.

It was a sad day in Cresco, but if you knew Wayne, you know he wouldn’t want you to stay sad for long. He’d much rather you share a good story, crack a joke, eat something delicious (preferably from a buffet), and send a picture of it to literally everyone in your contact list.

Wayne was born on September 13, 1951, in Cresco, Iowa,  to Paul and Dolores (Bohr) Riniker. He attended Notre Dame School and graduated in 1969. After high school, he moved to Des Moines to pursue an exciting new career as a TV repairman… which lasted all of two weeks. Plan B took him to Northern Engraving in Waukon as a floorman. But the pull of the land (and the allure of green and yellow tractors) brought him back home to farm alongside his father. Eventually, Wayne expanded the operation, renting additional land, raising crops, and growing something even more meaningful: a family.

Wayne proudly raised the best (self-appointed) daughters on Earth: Lara and Tricia. He had a knack for surprise visits (zero warning, maximum impact) and was known to wake them up early in the morning by blasting Holiday Road at full volume. No matter what he was up to, Wayne was hands-down the best Dad—funny, devoted, and always just a little bit unpredictable. 

In 2001, when Wayne met his perfect match, Janet, he also gained a third daughter, Becky, who quickly learned that in the Riniker family, “bonus daughter” meant just as loved (and just as teased). 

By their second date, Wayne and Janet were rug shopping—because nothing says “true love” like home décor. They married in Las Vegas on January 27, 2006… without informing the daughters (surprise!). But it all worked out beautifully. Together, Wayne and Janet traveled the world, including a 107-day World Cruise and nine voyages to Alaska. A simple winter escape to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, turned into buying a home and spending half their time there.

With three handy son-in-laws, Wayne had a special bond with Mark, David, and Chad, who were frequently told they were in the running for “favorite son-in-law” status. The competition remains unresolved, though Wayne was happy to fan the flames by telling each of them, “You’re so close to number 1.”

As Grandpa and Great-Grandpa, Wayne reached legend status. He loved challenging the younger generations in unique “Wayne-style” ways: offering cold hard cash rewards to the grandkids for trying new foods, cutting/buzzing their hair to be like his, or squeezing into a dog crate—just to see if they fit. (Yes, really.) He even promised a payout at age 21 for staying tobacco-free. He was part Grandpa, part game show host, and part troublemaker.

He loved buffets, card games with friends, road trips, watching sports (often cheering on the wrong team), and gambling just enough to keep it interesting. His phone was never far from his hand, ready to scroll Facebook (to our dismay), talk for hours, or send a sarcastic video and food pics to everyone on Snapchat. He believed in lucky streaks, gut feelings, and that life was just a little more fun with a wager on the side.

Wayne had a heart as big as his laugh and a one-of-a-kind way of spreading joy. He’d buy drinks for strangers, tip the Tilt-a-Whirl operator for longer rides, deliver Mabe’s pizza to Amish neighbors during barn raisings, and walk straight into restaurant kitchens to personally tip the cook. He gave without hesitation; generously, quietly, and often.

A gentle giant with a happy-go-lucky spirit, Wayne didn’t say much until he had something worth saying—and when he did, it usually ended in laughter. He was a big kid at heart, full of mischief, kindness, and contagious joy.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Janet (Bronner) Riniker; his daughters Lara (David) Ness of Dubuque, Trish (Chad) Raap of Cedar Rapids, and Becky (Mark) Burke of Cresco; grandchildren Trae (Belle) Riniker of Osage, Abbie Burke (Nick Lee) and Allie Burke (Hunter Mackenburg) of Cresco, Jared and Logan Ness of Dubuque, and Kade and Bell Raap of Cedar Rapids; and great-grandchildren Duncan and Tatum Riniker.

He is also survived by his sisters, Martha (Brett) Fulton and Sherri Slifka, along with a big extended family and a wide circle of friends, many of whom were more like family.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Dolores Riniker, along with beloved aunts and uncles, who undoubtedly greeted him with a deck of cards and an ice-cold Coke.

As his beloved “Pie-Pie” Jan says, “We sure did have a lot of fun together.” And if you knew Wayne, you probably did too. Life with Wayne was always a gamble worth taking, and every moment was a winning hand!

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Cresco Firefighters and HOCA (Howard County Cancer Society) in honor of Wayne.

A celebration of life will be held from 4:00-7:00pm on Friday, May 23, 2025 at the Featherlite Center in Cresco. Schmelzer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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