William (Bill) Harlow Riecke, was born in Eureka, California, April 9, 1956 . He passed away February 7, 2024 in Salem, Oregon He was preceded in death by his parents,  Shirley Ann (Sorensen) Riecke and Warren Gerald Riecke, as well as his sisters Susan and Virginia.

Bill enjoyed his youth in Albany, being active in the Boy Scouts, achieving life rank while also earning the order of the arrow. He was an avid fisherman and loved camping. During his school years , Bill thoroughly enjoyed working for Ron Smith at Courtesy Corner gas station in Albany. He spent many hours being mentored by and working with the owner of the local Albany bicycle shop, loving every moment spent there. He graduated from West Albany high school. He married Connie Rico, divorcing in 2003. They have three children.

Bill was the proud sole owner of Bark Boys, in Salem, for 41 years. He retired in 2019, selling the business to his son, Bill II.

Petra and Bill met in 2013, were married January 24, 2014. After Bill and Petra rescued Rosie, ( a smiling, happy travelling dog)  from the Oregon Humane Society, every trip, in the big black truck, became a fun road adventure.

Bill loved the United States. He would have proudly served in the United States military following in his father's footsteps, but was prevented from doing so by a life-threatening injury in his youth.  He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidsons, favorite trips included : 2007 Harley Posse ride from Wilmington Delaware to Tigard, Oregon:  2010 Harley trip from Milwaukee along Route 66. His Ford Shelby Mustangs gave him great pleasure, but he said that nothing was more fun to drive than his 2020 Chevrolet Corvette.  He loved snowmobiling, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, antiques, relaxing in the sunshine in Queen Creek, Arizona, with Petra and their dog, Rosie.

Bill is survived by his wife, Petra (Heuser) Riecke. Also survived by William "Bill" II , Jennifer Riecke and their children, his daughters, Sarah Riecke, her two sons, and Shea Riecke.   Additional survivors include his nephew, James Hollberg and niece Summer Hollberg.

A private service will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please send donations  in Bill's name to Oregon Humane Society, Salem Unit, 4246 Turner Road SE, Salem Oregon 97317.  Bill is greatly missed.