Siouxland Miracle Riders

Matt_Thompson 2016.JPG — Matt Thompson

Hi, I am Matt Thompson, born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, I have two awesome boys, Luke and Jack, aged 16 and 14 and an amazing wife Amy. I am the President of W.A. Klinger, a local construction company and have been doing projects with UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s for over 18 years. I started getting involved with CMN while working on the new NICU project back in 2004. During the project I learned a lot about the kids at St. Luke’s that were fighting for their health, fighting every day just to survive. It’s those kids that I am riding for, the kids that are fighting for their lives, for their health every day. I am riding to help fund the equipment and services that those kids need to help them in that fight.

Jim Symons

I am a longtime biker, Siouxland businessman, devoted father, and community-minded. I love to ride as much as I can. In fact, you can spot me almost daily on my 2004 Harley-Davidson Fatboy in weather conditions that most wouldn’t attempt.
Whether you’ve known me for years or just met me, it won’t take long for my love for kids to shine through. I find opportunities every year to raise money for kids. I am proud to have six kids of my own, and have a special connection with CMN families. My son Jasper is a diabetic, so I understand what families with sick kids go through. I am riding for them!

Steve Panzer CMYK.jpg — Steve Panzer

Hello everyone! My name is Steve Panzer and I am originally from northern Minnesota and have lived in the Siouxland area for about 10 years. I have been a nurse for about 14 years and I am currently with Unity Point Health-Cardiovascular Associates and have been with them for two years now. I have a wonderful wife Renea and 4 amazing kids! I started with The Miracle Riders at their kick off press conference two years ago due to my wife (who at the time was a pediatric nurse at Unity Point) pushing me (not that it took a whole lot) into joining this awesome brotherhood! The children that we ride for have a very special place in my heart and it is an honor to be able to help provide these kids with medical equipment that will help with their care, health, and well being. I would like to Thank You for taking the time to get to know a little about me and hope that you continue to follow us along our ride!!!!!

IMG_8787[1].jpg — Mike Tracy

Hello, my name is Mike Tracy and I am the newest member of the Miracle Riders. Both myself and my wife Karen were born and raised in Sioux City and have lived here for all but approximately eight years. I am the owner operator of a local Home Inspection Service. My wife and I are very fortunate in that we have three healthy adult children with three healthy grandchildren with the fourth on the way. I have watched the Riders over the past two years and decided that I needed to be a part of this great group of men. I have been involved in youth programs for several years and now want to help those that have medical needs. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me.

Jim Maynes Photo.jpg — Jim Maynes

My name is Jim Maynes, and I am one of the newest members of the Siouxland Miracle Riders. My wife and I were born and raised in SW Iowa, and through employment opportunities, we ended up settling in Sioux City in 2015. Beth is an elementary teacher in the Woodbury Central School system in Moville, and I am currently a Supervisor at Seaboard Triumph Foods in Sioux City. We have been married since 1988 and have 2 adult children and 2 adored grandkids. Our daughter lives in Story City, while our son and his family live in Ames.
The Children’s Miracle Network has occupied a special place in our hearts ever since our family faced one of life’s challenges in 2005. That is the year that our precious 14-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer that normally afflicts children and young adults. The year that followed was a tumultuous one, with one major surgery, numerous follow-ups, and 14 rounds of chemotherapy, each lasting from 3-5 days. But I’m happy to say, with the wonderful support of the CMN, we were able to celebrate a victory over this insidious disease! So now that we are empty nesters, the time seems right to try to repay a small portion of the blessings that we received from CMN.

Rod Lieber

Hi, my name is Rodney Lieber. I currently live in Dakota Dunes in South Dakota with my wife, Jodi Lieber. We have two children and five beautiful grandchildren. My wife and I have been proudly serving the Siouxland area since 1997 with our earthmoving business, Lieber Construction Inc. We also proudly own and operate Bridgeport Materials our trucking business since 2008. I am one of the newest members of this group and I am excited to ride for the cause. I have been riding motorcycles since I was a young boy and my favorite motorcycle I have ever had is the one I will ride on this trip, which is a CVO Street Glide. My wife even has her own Harley and enjoys to ride. I am proud to be part of the Miracle Ride this year and to raise money and awareness for a great cause.

Tom Graack

Hello Siouxlanders, my name is Tom Graack. I am a rookie to the Miracle Riders and am looking forward to being involved with the Children’s Miracle Network charity. I was born and raised in Sioux City, graduating from both Heelan High and Briar Cliff, and have been living in Omaha since 2007. Together with my wife Peggy, we have 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren. I recently retired from a 40 year Information Technology career, and am living the ‘good life’ in Omaha, as well as spending relaxing time at our Lake of the Ozarks vacation home. I have been a motorcycle enthusiast for my entire life, owning my first bike at the early age of 14. Since that time I have had many motorcycles, with my current stable being two Harley’s and a BMW. I have ridden in charity events in the past, and currently still ride for the Jillian Fund, which provides financial support to families with children facing life-threatening and life-altering illnesses. I am looking forward to adding the CMN ride to my annual charity involvement. I’ve been fortunate and blessed that our children and grandchildren are healthy and do not have to deal with many of the medical needs and challenges facing families today. A big thanks to Matt and the other Riders for including me, and to you Siouxland for your contributions and support of this wonderful cause!

Jerry King

Hi, my name is Jerry King and I am the newest member of the Miracle Riders. My wife and I were both born in Sioux City, Iowa. I am a veteran 23 years in the Marine Corps and my wife is currently serving In Iowa Air National Guard soon to be retiring after 37 years of service. We have six children and two granddaughters. I am currently working for Lieber Construction retiring again 1 July 2022. I am very excited to be a part of this organization. I feel it is time to give back to my hometown. You will see me riding on my 2021 Harley Davidson in almost any type weather. I am very proud to be able to a part of this organization that is doing so much for these children.

Jon Heie CMYK.jpg — Jon Heie

Hi, my name is Jon Heie. I am a self employed handy-man from Sioux Center, IA. My wife Sheila and I have been married for 34 years. We have two daughters and 4 grandchildren who all live in NW Iowa. I missed the ride two years ago due to a motorcycle accident which led to the loss of my Ultra Classic Electra Glide and my left leg, below the knee. I am doing great now and am ready to ride in this years trip. During my five and a half week hospital stay, I thought often of the children who struggle with medical issues like mine and some worse. Helpless children, relying on family, hospital staff and others for their care and comfort. I want to do what I can to make their lives and treatment a little easier.