Paul Edwin Rieck M.D.

Paul Edwin Rieck M.D. 44, Rib Mountain, died Saturday, January 21, 2012. He was born December 8, 1967 in Huron, South Dakota, son of Dorothy (Spain) Paul and the late Edwin Paul Rieck. In 1985, Paul, at age 17 married Stephanie (Darnell). Paul joined the National Guard during his senior year in high school to provide for his family. He returned from basic training with a self-confidence and the dream to become a doctor. He graduated in 1986 from Iroquios High School, South Dakota. Paul attended Medical School at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion where he graduated in 1994. In 1998, he completed his residency in Radiology in Columbia, Missouri. Following his residency, Paul and his family moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, where he was stationed for 4 years with the United States Army. In 2002, they settled in Rib Mountain, Wisconsin. Paul loved his work as a Radiologist and practiced medicine in the Wausau area since 2002. His patients were very special to him. Patients appreciated his sensitive and caring treatment. He was a humble person and had great pride in being able to provide for his family. Whatever he set out to do, he did well! His family and friends will miss his contagious love of life and adventure. While living in Alaska, Paul was an avid hunter, and as skill and luck would have it, he acquired many big game trophy mounts and the stories to go along with them. He loved to heli-ski and snowmobile up mountain ranges, he loved to wake board and kite surf, and loved riding his motorcycle and attending bike rallies and rock concerts. Scuba diving with his kids was special to Paul. Paul enjoyed spending time with family and friends, whether it be traveling to different places, going up North, or cheering on the Minnesota Vikings. His overall zest for life was second to none. Paul was outgoing, compassionate, generous and experienced all life has to offer at any given chance. He lived in the moment!!! Survivors include, three children, Brian (Amy Basketfield) Rieck, Seattle, Wash., Morgan Rieck and Nathan Rieck, both of Rib Mountain; his mother, Dorothy Paul, Litchfield, MN; his significant other, Sara Ackermann, Wausau; his ex-wife, Stephanie Darnell, Wausau; his twin sister, Paula Rieck, Phoenix, Ariz; three other sisters, Bonnie Rieck; Debbie Rieck; and Maryanne (Ron) Mays, all of Huron, S.D.; two brothers, Richard Spain, Pierre, S.D.; and Jim (Kerry) Rieck, Huron, S.D.; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Besides his father, Edwin, he was preceded in death by his son, Evan Lyle Rieck; and one sister, Donna Rieck. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 28, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. Rev. Joel Brandt will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau, with full military honors conducted by the American Legion Montgomery Plant Post No. 10, Wausau. Friends may call on Friday from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com