Ririfatu "Riri" Mariteragi

Ririfatu “Riri” Mariteragi, a man of faith, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 19, 2021. He was 81. Riri was born to Ah Ni and Tauraa Mariteragi on July 27, 1940 in Pape’ete, Tahiti.
After graduating from Graceland University Riri married the love of his life, Nina in 1965. They spent the next 56 years creating a life together. He volunteered much of his time with the Community of Christ Church for many years before retiring in 2004. Riri loved to travel. As a minister he would lead the youth groups on mission trips throughout the country. Riri was known by many as the “smiling bishop” because no matter the situation at hand he was always pleasant and never knew a stranger. Riri was an athlete. He enjoyed playing tennis and never skipped his daily walks, always aiming to get his 15,000 steps in. Riri was also an avid fisherman, took great pride in his rose garden and loved his family fiercely. He will be missed.
Riri is survived by his beloved wife Nina; son, Tamatoa Mariteragi (Vanina) daughters, Poema Harrys-Mariteragi (Jean-Baptiste), and Ruma Swartzentruber (Enos); grandchildren, Maruatua Mariteragi, Noheamarania Mariteragi, Poeiti Mariteragi Tehamai Mariteragi, , Heiatua Paredes, Ririfatuariihaunui “Samuel” Swartzentruber and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Melia Nouveau, Celia Foucaud and grandson, Tamatoa Mariteragi.
A visitation is scheduled from 8:30-10am on Thursday, August 26th at Speaks Suburban Chapel with funeral service to follow at 10am. Burial will take place at 2pm at Rose Hill Cemetery in Lamoni, Iowa.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com