Obituary for Robert R. Riker

Robert Raymond Riker passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026 at the age of 100. He was born on October 21, 1925 to Harry and Cora (VanLeuvan) Riker.

Bob married Sylvia on August 21, 1948, together they spent 77 years building a life rich in family and memories. Their winters spent in Texas became some of their happiest times. Bob very much enjoyed the warmth and friendships made there.

Bob was a proud Veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Navy. In his younger years, Bob worked for Oliver Farm Equipment in Portland, Sandborn Equipment and then Synder Farm Supply. He also sold seed corn for Great Lakes and Pioneer Seed Company. He was a farmer all his life at the farm he was born at and later passed away in.

Bob was proud father, grandpa, and great grandpa. He was a no non-sense kind of guy but was always out for a good joke. He enjoyed telling his grandchildren all about what things were like “back in the day.”

Proceeding Bob in death are his parents, wife Sylvia, infant son and daughter, son, Dan Riker, brother Leo, sisters Mildred, Loretta, Marian, and Francis.

Surviving are his children Jane, Steve, and Dennis (Angie) Riker; grandchildren Kendra (Marc) Irrer, Sierra (Ryne) Musbach, Rachel (Skyler) Selby, and Mitchell Riker; and great-grandchildren Cooper and Camden Musbach, Barrett Selby, and soon-to-arrive Bellamy Irrer.

The family would like to thank West Michigan Hospice—especially Dawn and Taylor—for their compassionate care of Bob. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Michigan Hospice, 6835 Hanna Lake Drive SE, Caledonia, MI 49316.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Lehman Funeral Home in Portland, with visitation one hour before the service. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.