Thomas "Tom" Albert Joseph Riker

Thomas Albert Joseph Riker, 72, of Sioux City, passed away on September 28, 2026, at the Unity Point Northside Campus. A memorial mass will be held Friday, October 2 at 1:00 p.m., with a visitation from 12-1 at Mater Dei Parish - Immaculate Conception Church, 1212 Morningside Ave. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.

Tom was born to John and Ann (Gallagher) Riker on May 30, 1954, in Paterson, New Jersey. He received his education in Sioux City and graduated from East High School.

Tom was briefly married and had two children. Before his retirement in late 2019, Tom worked for the City of Sioux City for more than 40 years in the Streets Division. During the final years of his career, he took pride in maintaining the gravel roads in the Kelly Park neighborhood.

In retirement, Tom enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. If one of his grandkids had a local game or performance, Tom was sure to be sitting in the stands watching them. His job as a grandpa also involved driving the kids to and from school and attending school open houses and concerts. Tom also enjoyed meeting up with his cronies at Casey’s, Kum & Go, and Burger King for morning coffee. Through his son Joe’s marriage to Cindy, Tom unofficially became a member of the Rasmussen family, regularly attending holidays, picnics, weddings, and other family events.

Tom is survived by his sons, Chad Riker of Sioux City, and Joe (Cindy) Riker of Sioux City; his grandchildren, Blake, Joey, Callie, and Claire; two brothers, John (Louann) Riker of Sergeant Bluff, and Bob (Cheryl) Riker of Ankeny; two sisters, Rose Riker of Sioux City, and Marianne Riker; and the Rasmussen family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Billy.

Those who loved him were not surprised by the strength he showed in his final days, because it was the same strength that carried him through a lifetime of challenges. He never stopped fighting for the people he loved or the life he cherished, and that enduring spirit will be remembered always.

Tom’s family would like to thank the medical staff at Unity Point, Westwood, and Sanford for their support through Tom’s fight.

Honorary pallbearers for the service will be Tom’s grandchildren.