March 25, 1936 – Sept. 11, 2020

Julia Ann Rieck passed away on Sept. 11. Julia was born on March 25, 1936 to Rev. Earl O. and Ruth Schwerman in Rochester, Minnesota. After attending Valparaiso University, she married her sweetheart, John Rieck, on June 8, 1957. She and John moved to Casey, Illinois in 1958 to serve two churches in Casey and Marshall, Illinois. In 1959, they moved to Orange, California to serve Immanuel Lutheran Church. In 1966 the family moved to La Cañada to serve Gethsemane Lutheran Church for 31 years before retiring. 

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, faithful servant to God and a dedicated volunteer since 1984, Julia provided 14,400 hours to USC Verdugo Hills Hospital.  She was an accomplished organist with a passion for classical music, and loyal patron of Disney Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.

Julia will be missed by many not the least of whom are her family and close friends who will spend their lifetimes cherishing every personalized greeting card and precious moment she shared with us. 

Julia leaves behind her loving husband of 63 years, Rev. John W. Rieck; children Ruth Martha of Spokane Washington, Rebecca Ann Rieck (Robin) of Burbank, and Elizabeth Mary Crawford (Larry) of Lakewood; grandchildren Jonathan Bot, Sarah Foster (Blake), Andrew Bot, Rachyl Spacca (Cris), Eliza Crawford, John Paul Crawford and Julia Ann Crawford; great-grandchildren Emma Foster, Harper Bot and Bennett Foster.

On Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. there will be a viewing at the Mountain View Mortuary & Cemetery Sunrise Chapel followed by a graveside service where Julia will be laid to rest in Altadena. Due to COVID restrictions, a church service and reception in her memory will be announced later.

In memoriam donations can be made to Los Angeles Philharmonic, 151 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 https://www.laphil.com/support/give-now or to

Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 2723 Orange Ave., La Crescenta, CA 91214.