Bruce Rieck

Bruce Frederick Rieck, 72, of Austin, Texas, passed away on September 29, 2021.

Bruce was born in San Antonio, Texas to Florence Ida Uerling Rieck and James Paterson Rieck on January 17, 1949. He married Cynthia Real Syfan on February 9, 1974.

He was raised on the ranch homesteaded in 1885 by his great-grandfather, James Paterson, and operated by his parents for their lifetimes. His education began at Junction Elementary and continued as a boarder at St. Edward’s High School in Austin. He then attended the University of Notre Dame, and finished at the University of Texas School of Law. He joined the State Bar of Texas and became a licensed Certified Professional Accountant in 1974.

In Junction he enjoyed being mentored by the Nelsons and Ed Stewart in hot rod building and riding his Honda motorcycle. All enjoyed his stories of riding the pastures, clearing cedar, drenching sheep and goats, welding gates and trailers, watching Benito Guardiola’s rope tricks, and hunting with Wendell and Orville at the Rieck ranch. In the mid-sixties, trips to Europe and Mexico inspired a love for travel and exploring that continued for the rest of his life.

A lifelong entrepreneur, he went into the private practice of law in 1975. In addition to practicing law, he drove the preservation and development of historic buildings including Hannig Row on Sixth Street in Austin, the Kyle Building in Beaumont, and the Guthrie Building in Kerrville. Many of his clients became friends, and he enjoyed maintaining those relationships throughout his life, including entertaining them on spring turkey hunting trips at the Diamond Lodge on the ranch where he was raised.

Throughout his life, Bruce was passionate about his projects - from woodworking and furniture-making, to metalworking and classic car restoration, he loved to research, design, and build things with his hands and tools. A polymath, Bruce’s curiosity extended to the interests of his friends and family and he relished an engaging discussion on almost any topic. His quick wit bought joy to all conversations.

Bruce also believed strongly in the importance of education and a major goal of his was to provide the best possible opportunity for his children. He accomplished this goal and was extremely proud that all three children were able to attend prestigious universities, complete law school, and were admitted to the State Bar of Texas.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cynthia Real Syfan Rieck, his three children and five grandchildren: James Thomas (JT) and his wife, Laura Zoller Rieck, and their daughters, Bryce and Georgia; Robert and his wife Jennifer Ann Rieck, and their daughters, Grace Ann and Raleigh; and Meta Helen and her husband, Taylor Lee Fidel, and their daughter Evelyn. Bruce is also survived by his brothers, Robert (Bob) and Brian, his sister-in-law Linda, nieces and nephews.

On Sunday, October 3rd, a family graveside service will be held at 2:30 in the afternoon at the Junction City Cemetery.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 in the afternoon at Maynard Creek Ranch, near Roosevelt.

Pall Bearers will be JT, Laura, Robert and Jennifer Rieck, Meta Helen and Taylor Fidel. Honorary pall bearers will be Dr. Richard Coons, John Creighton, Dr. Mike Mueller, Dr. Richard Shoberg, and Dr. Joe Volpe.

Memorials to Woodberry Forest School, in Orange, Virginia; or the Kimble County Historical Museum, will be appreciated by the family.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kimble Funeral Home (325) 446-3076.