Leora Jean Riechers, 84, of Wilber, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family Sunday afternoon, Aug. 30, 2026, at a Lincoln hospital.
She was born Dec. 26, 1941, in Beatrice to Raymond and Velma (Schlichtemeier) Schachenmeyer. She grew up on a farm near Clatonia, attended country school through fourth grade, then Zion Lutheran School before graduating from Clatonia High School in 1959. After graduation she worked for Form Fit in Crete for two years.
On April 29, 1962, she married John Riechers at Zion Lutheran Church. They made their home on the family farm near Clatonia and were blessed with four children. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around family, faith, hard work, and their farm. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Leora drove a school bus for W-C schools for 13 years, while also helping on the farm. Whether she was behind the wheel of a school bus, driving the grain cart, tending to her flowers, or caring for her family, she was someone who could always be counted on.
Her faith was an important part of her life. She was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church, where she played the organ for many years and sang in the choir. Her church family and faith brought her great comfort and joy throughout her life. Leora found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved flower gardening, often helping at local flower shops and sharing her love of flowers with others. She enjoyed gardening, playing cards, puzzles, shuffleboard, golf, cooking, bowling, and baking.
Leora especially enjoyed sitting on the front patio with John sharing a cold beer and visiting after a day of work. She also loved watching the Huskers, spending time with good friends, and most of all, just being with the people she loved. She will be remembered for her warm heart, her strong faith, her love of family, her willingness to work hard, and finding joy in life’s everyday moments. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so dearly and in the many people whose lives she touched.
Survivors include her husband, John Riechers of Wilber; children, Kim (Jim) Brummett, Tim (Kris) Riechers, Paul (Ann) Riechers, and Rachel Oliver; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Judy (Jerry) Bergmeyer; sister-in-law, Jo Carol Schachenmeyer; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Bob Oliver; great-grandson, Brewer Dredge; parents, Raymond and Velma Schachenmeyer; brother, Larry Schachenmeyer; parents-in-law, Henry and Louise Riechers; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harold and Arydth Riechers.
A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, at Zion Lutheran Church of rural Clatonia with Pastor Steven Kahrs officiating. Inurnment of the cremains will be at the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery at a later date. Cremation has taken place and there will be no viewing, but a book for signatures will be available on Tuesday from noon – 8 p.m. at Fox Funeral Home in Beatrice. The family will greet relatives and friends on Tuesday from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the family’s choice.
Arrangements by Fox Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Beatrice.
