Jeannette Poeker Riley

Jeannette “Jan” Poeker Riley 1947- 2024 returned to her Heavenly Father surrounded by her family after a hard fought battle with cancer.  

Jan was born June 1, 1947 to Walter and Gerda Poeker in Chemnitz, Germany where she lived until she was 6 years old. In 1953 she made the journey to Utah with her family. She graduated from South High School, class of 1965. 

She married the love of her life, Roger Riley, on October 20, 1966. They shared 58 amazing years together, and enjoyed listening to music, square dancing (Rocketeers), boating, waterskiing, family camping trips to their favorite KOA in Bear Lake; and watching their favorite crime shows together. Roger was Jan’s greatest love, but his red Corvaire he picked her up in on their first date was a close second! Of all the accomplishments they enjoyed their 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren the most.  

Jan’s calling in life was to be a mother/grandmother and she was adored and loved beyond words in that role. 

She never met a heart she didn’t hug and had a unique talent of making a personal connection with everyone she met. She lived and loved with every part of her soul. She was sassy, sarcastic, full of life, had an infectious laugh and a smile that will never be duplicated but always cherished.  

To our entire family Jan’s home was our everything. From birthdays, Sunday dinners and holidays, we gathered at her house; especially for Christmas. She gave even when she had little left to give, never thinking of herself.. because that always came last.  

Her work ethic was second to none, she was dubbed “The Payroll Queen” and continued to enjoy working for Fetzers Architectural Woodworking (her second family) for 25 years, and up to the weeks prior to her passing. She was adored by many and cherished the friendships she made there over the years.  

Jan was preceded in death by her loving parents Walter & Gerda (Poeker) and step father George Peterson. Mother-in law Patricia Carey. She is survived by her devoted husband Roger, adoring children Katy Hartshorn (Jared), Mike (Margo) and Carey Thomas (Kearrey) and grandchildren Braedon Dunoskovic (Paige), Olivia, Isabella, Gabriella, Addison, Alex, Connor, Berlin, Carter and Sailor. Great Grandchildren Jay and Mia. Loving sister Ellen Sirstens, and brother Bernd Poeker, niece Susan Moreno (Hector), Ali Johnson, Karson Moreno and Tori Cunningham as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.  

The family would like to extend a special, heartfelt “thank you” to Dr. Glynn Gilcrease & Dr. Ziga Cizman; as well as their teams at Huntsman and the entire Huntsman hospital/ICU staff for their remarkable kindness, compassion, and unrelenting desire to extend our precious time with her these past two weeks.  

We still love you most… 

“Death is a mere comma, not an exclamation point!”

 -Elder Neal A. Maxwell 

Services will be held, Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3408 Celeste Way, SLC, Utah with viewings Friday, July 26, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and beginning at 9:00 a.m. the day of the service at the same location. Interment will be at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery.