Amanda N. Rieckens, 28 of Eau Claire passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Dove Healthcare-West.
Amanda was born on August 23, 1989 to Sean and Cindy (Swedlund) Rieckens in Sioux City, Iowa. She graduated from Fall Creek High School as part of the class of 2007. Immediately following graduation, she went on to begin her travels with the U.S. Army. Her boot camp days were in the hot humid world of Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri and AIT bound to Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Right after boot she received her first deployment to Germany, and 89B would quickly find they had a sister for life.
Amanda enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. She would strike up a conversation with anyone and leave an imprint on their hearts. She proudly served time in Iraq as an Ammunition Specialist with a dream of becoming an interrogator. All who knew Amanda agreed that her voice, 6-foot tall stature, and fiery red hair would likely have gotten anyone to give up information. We could not have been prouder. Iraq returned to us a woman who loved her ARMY family; and we know how much they loved her. Army Vet. Bold. Fierce. Outspoken. Adventurous. Warrior. “You were brave in the face of war both physical and abroad.”
Amanda had a love for using her tattoos to tell her story. One says, “For those I love…I will sacrifice” and she did just that. She would have given her right leg for anyone, so appropriately, she had a tattoo on that leg “I don’t know how my story will end, but nowhere in my text will it ever read…I gave up.” From your BATTLE buddies, “UNTIL VALHALLA!” and “We’ll stand watch now.”
Amanda is survived by her 2 young daughters; Lena (7) and Layla (5). They were her princesses and we are blessed to have them to remind us every day how amazing she was. She was also survived by her parents, Sean (Shelly) Rieckens and Cindy (Jacob) Talamantes; biological father, Brad (Theresa) Keuck; sisters, Katherine and Miranda; brothers, Dylan and Luke; step-sisters, Sami Rau and Hannah Talamantes; step-brothers, Isaiah, Christian, Jace, and Gavin Talamantes; half-sister, Julietta; as well as many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be Friday, September 1, 2017 at 10:00 am at Smith Funeral Chapel with Curtis Moss officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, August 31, 2017 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel and one hour prior to the services at the funeral home on Friday. Burial will follow the service at Rest Haven Cemetery. American Legion Post 53 will be preforming military honors. After burial, friends and family are welcome to join us for a potluck and sharing memories of Amanda at the VFW Post 305.
I did not know Amanda well, but remember her from my time working at FCHS. If a person can be judged by the life they leave behind, and the friends who mourn them, then Amanda’s was a well-lived one. Clearly all who knew her loved what they saw. God bless her family and friends as they gather, remember, and go forward to great things in her honor.
I have always been so proud of you Amanda . Rest In Peace pretty lady. I love you my beautiful niece.
I love you my sweet niece. Not a day goes by I am not thinking about you, and how much I am going to miss that sassy attitude and smile of yours. How you teased me even though I am 3 months older than you. Don’t worry about me using a car seat to drive 😉 I got that covered. I can never forget the times growing up, nor the day I saw you for the first time in years after you came back from Iraq. There are days where my redhead acts like you, the attitude, the smiles, how tall she actually is for her age. You would be so proud. Rest in Heaven Amanda
I never had the pleasure of meeting Amanda, but I did hear a lot of amazing stories and adventures that she had in her short life from her mom, and how proud Cindy was of all of the accomplishments Amanda had!
I will never forget that night Cindy told us Amanda was sick. Our whole class sat in silence and wept.
Many prayers are being sent that the family finds peace and comfort at this most difficult time. My deepest condolences!! <3
Your huge heart and dazzling smile are dearly missed, you are so loved by so many!
Watch over us all until we meet again!
didnt know amanda personally, was only on facebook,
ive been following her fb, amanda always had a smile & the kick ass attiutde!! she also touched the hearts lives of others including mine
whatmore to say other than shes at peace free of pain amanda will always be in her family, friends
life, looking on you all my continued thoughts prayers & love <3 <3
lindsay, dave,tash,tyler & carmen Manchester UK
xxxxxx
I went to school with Amanda for a short time, and while I didn’t know her well, she left an impression on me. She was always so bright and charismatic! She helped me embrace my freckles! She was so beautiful with her freckles and I realized mine were also something to love. She brought love and warmth every place she went, heaven will be brighter with her there. Rest In Peace sweet Amanda.
So sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort. May God bless you all..
My condolences to the family and friends, I was honored to meet her in a veterans group on Facebook. She was an amazing person and awesome friend.
Eternal rest grant unto Amanda, Oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace Xxx
To Amanda, i never got to met as we live in different countries but i followed your story and was amazed at your courage and you never let anything pull you down. You smiled until the end. Rip sweet lady. From australia x
May God comfort you and your family through this difficult time. Our love and prayers are with you. ❤️?
I was one of her very many battle buddies that wasn’t fortunate enough to attend her services and pay our respects. But by golly I will carry on her legacy. An amazing heart and an amazing spirit. She will forever live on in my life as a shining light.
I worked with Amanda in Germany and Iraq. I since reclassed to interrogator. She would have absolutley been a far better interrogator than me and most given her personality and assertiveness. My condolences.