Dr. Herman Henry Rieke III, 85, a man of great intellect and wit, bid farewell to this world on Feb. 11, 2023, in his sleep, after a long battle with Lewy Bodies Dementia.
Born in Louisville, Ky., on June 18, 1937, to Herman and Martha Rieke, Herman’s love for learning began early in life. He earned a Bachelor of Science in geology from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Science in petroleum engineering, a Master of Science in geology and a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California.
He held several careers as a petroleum engineer, geophysicist, geologist, professor and author, taking him to many places — California, Mexico, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Saudi Arabia and Louisiana. His contributions to his profession earned him numerous awards and recognitions the world over, of which there are too many to list.
In addition to his passion for academia, Herman was also an exceptional host. He enjoyed cooking for and entertaining guests at his dinner parties. The highlights included great conversations sprinkled with humor. He was happy to be home in Morgantown when he wasn’t exploring the globe, where he spent many hours cuddling with his feline friends and tending to his geraniums.
Herman was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Holly Hofmann Rieke, who undoubtedly greeted him with open arms in the afterlife. He is survived by his six loving children: Tiffany and Patrick Fragman, of Zug, Switzerland; Nicole Jackson and Ronnie Schroeder, of Bristol, R.I.; Henry and Jenny, of Somerville, Mass.; Tyson and Aundrea, of Morgantown; George, of Pittsburgh; Clarke and Kathryn, of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and 11 grandchildren. They will always remember his quick wit and unwavering love.
As Herman’s children, we sincerely thank Jennifer Bertha and her undeniably accomplished team for their dedicated and loving care for Herman in his final years.
Although we mourn the loss of our father, we take comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through his work and the lives he touched. Rest in peace, and thank you for the memories. We promise to keep the cats well-fed and flowers tended to in your absence.
A celebration of Herman’s life is planned at Hotel Morgan in downtown Morgantown, from 4-7 p.m. on July 17, 2023. RSVP via email at hermanriekeJuly17@gmail.com.
Smith Funeral & Cremation Care of Westover/Morgantown is providing care and guidance to the family.
Condolences:
www.smithfcc.com
