Linda Suzanne (Niemiec) Riekena
Linda Suzanne (Niemiec) Riekena passed away Dec. 28, 2020, with her loving husband Kim by her side.
She was born on May 27, 1948, to Al and Lorain Niemiec. She was the first born of three daughters the couple were blessed with.
Linda spent her childhood in San Bernardino, Calif. She would fondly recall how much she loved the lemon trees there and going up to the Summit to learn how to shoot a rifle.
Linda married the love of her life, Kim Riekena, on Feb. 12, 1977. This wedding is fondly remembered as they were married in Bonners Ferry by the justice of the peace, Alice Krugel, in her home. Alice had just fallen and still had her arm in a cast.
The loving couple were blessed with three children: Brenda, Julie, and Mike. Their children brought marriages and added wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren to their family. Ultimately, her grandchildren were her greatest treasure in life. They raised their family here in Bonners Ferry.
Linda was the proud owner of her beauty shop Foxy Lady, and her jewelry business Hidden Treasures from 1980-2014. In addition to her successful businesses, one of her favorite jobs was being camp cook for Foust Logging Company. She enjoyed making special dishes to keep the hungry loggers fed while they worked. The loggers fondly referred to her as “Camp Cookie.”
Linda was a talented, fun, and caring person who dearly loved her family. She loved being a cheerleader coach and Cub Scout leader. Linda had many hobbies including crafting, sewing, and gardening. Any child that went to Linda's house often left with a hat and mittens.
Linda was raised by a father who was a gunsmith. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that she enjoyed hunting with her husband Kim. On Linda's 70th birthday, Kim brought a smile to her face with a gift of her first pistol. This pistol added to their fond memories of both Linda and Kim shooting their moose together.
She is survived by her husband, Kim Riekena; daughter, Brenda Pruitt (David), daughter Julie Riekena, and son Mike Riekena. Her grandchildren include Andrew Thies, Alaina Thies, Gage Zielinski, Zoe Zielinski, Harlie Zielinski, and Rylee Riekena. She is survived by two great-grandchildren, Easton Zielinski and one who recently announced that they are on their way. Linda is survived by two sisters, Alisa Yount (Ken) and Judy Dinning (Phil). In addition, Linda has numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Linda will be dearly missed. Nevertheless, we are left with beautiful memories, can rest assured that she is pain free, and most importantly that she is home with her Lord and Savior.
A private service was held at Porthill Cemetery on Jan. 4, 2021. The family has asked that donations be made to St. Jude Hospital in Spokane, Wash., or Make a Wish Foundation in lieu of gifts.