Natalie Sue Riecks (née Wiggers), age 89, of Loda, and formerly Mahomet, died on March 6, 2023, at Prairieview Nursing home, Danforth, IL.

Natalie was born July 27, 1933, in Lincoln, IL to John J. Wiggers and Elizabeth Omega Wiggers (née Lawhead). She was preceded in death by her husband Ken Riecks, brother John Earle Wiggers, and sisters Joy Anne Furkin and Sara Logan. She is survived by her sons, Mark (Stacey) of Sarasota, FL; David (Anna Barnes) of Champaign, IL; and Craig (Candi) of Loda, IL; six grandchildren, Kimberly (Jeremy) To, Bailey Riecks, Blake Riecks, Corbin Riecks, Carter Riecks, Caiden Riecks and three great-grandchildren.

Natalie worked as a Home Economics agent for Illinois Cooperative Extension and later as a volunteer in Champaign County.

She helped found and lead the Happy Helpers 4-H Club in Mahomet. She also was active in the International Foreign Youth Exchange, having traveled with the organization in her youth and hosted delegates as an adult. She loved travel, visiting the former Yugoslavia, Mexico, Hawaii, and several Caribbean islands.

She was a member of the Mahomet Women's Club, United Methodist Women, and Mahomet Seymour Booster Club. She also volunteered with Krannert Youth Theater and PEO.

In 1989 she and Ken moved to Lake Iroquois when Ken became a co-owner of the Paxton IGA.

The family requests any memorials be directed to the United Methodist Church of Paxton, The International 4-H Youth Exchange program https://ifyeusa.org/ , or PACE Center for Independent Living https://pacecil.org/

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 29, 2023 at the United Methodist Church, Paxton. Refreshments will be served following the service. Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com