PERCY – Ray Joe Rieckenberg, was born in Percy, IL, on September 7, 1941, to Raymond and Iola (Wagner) Rieckenberg. On November 17, 2022, at 3:16 AM, Ray changed his residency from Percy to Heaven.

Ray married Marge (Severs) Rieckenberg on September 15, 1962. He worked at Spartan Printing World Color Press. Ray assisted in the construction of the Scuttle Inn Golf Course. He was a retired coal miner working at Streamline Mine, Captain Mine, and Conant Mine. Ray attended Grace Church Ministries in Chester, IL and was a member of the UMWA. Ray and Marge hosted over a dozen international exchange students.

Ray had a love for Model T's, antique cars, trains, and steam engines. He owned and built many of each. Ray purchased his first Model T at the age of 9. He participated in many car shows throughout his lifetime. One of Ray's small scale Model T cars was in a Broadway play. Ray built many houses in Percy and performed construction on many others. He was able to assist in the demolition of the Percy Grade School. As a boy, Ray worked at the Steeleville Bowling Alley setting up pins, and also at the Chester Dairy, delivering milk with his friend Jackie. There was nothing Ray Joe couldn't fix

Ray is survived by his wife Marge; their 3 children: Joe (Toni) Rieckenberg of Steeleville, Robert Jeff Rieckenberg of Percy, and Jenny (Jon) Brown of Chester. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Rachel (Kevin) Becker, A.J. (Jody) Grubbs, Ryan (Faith) Rieckenberg, Alex Rieckenberg (Dalton Roberts), Josiah Brown, Titus Brown, Trinity Brown, Adonai Brown, and 3 great grandchildren: Emberly Jausel, Aria Barrett, and Kylie Roberts.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 1:00 pm, at Grace Church Ministries, Chester.  Burial will follow at Percy Village Cemetery. Friends and family may call from 11 – 1 pm, at the church. Memorials may be given to Evelyn's House BJC Hospice, and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.