Raphael "Ray" Thomas Riniker

Raphael Thomas “Ray” Riniker, 56, of Garnavillo, Iowa, formerly of Masonville, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2019, at the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital in Guttenberg. He was born on October 11, 1963, in Manchester, the son of Andrew Sr. and Coletta C. (Clemen) Riniker.

After Ray left home, he resided at the State Hospital in Woodward for a couple of years. He then lived for many years at Area Residential Care (ARC) in Dubuque. From 1998, Ray made his home at G & G Living in Garnavillo (now called Imagine the Possibilities), where he received exemplary care.

Ray enjoyed food of all kinds and traveling anywhere in the Imagine the Possibilities van. His face would light up when his favorite staff would come to the door, and he’d run to give them a hug. Ray also loved listening to rock and roll, going for rides with his brother Paul, and of course, giving and receiving hugs.  

Ray is survived by his siblings, Andrew Riniker Jr. of Masonville, Paul (Janet) Riniker of Greeley, Margaret (Russell) Wilhelm of Bellevue, Gerald Riniker of Manchester, and Anthony (Leah) Riniker of Glyndon, Minnesota; and five nieces and two nephews.  

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and a niece, Teresa Riniker.

Ray’s family would like to thank all the caregivers who provided Ray with such wonderful care through the years.

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