David Lee RIEDEL

RIEDEL, BEHNKENDORF, FINN, DORR, WESSELS, BURT

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 4/29/2012 at 12:50:23

September 25, 1949 --- April 27, 2012

ROWAN, IA — David L. Riedel, age 62, of Rowan, passed away Friday, April 27, 2012, at his home. Funeral services for David L. Riedel will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 30, at the United Church of Rowan, with Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery near Rowan. Visitation for David L. Riedel will be held from 5-7 p.m. today, Sunday, April 29, at Dugger Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane South in Belmond and one hour prior to services at the church.

David Lee, the son of Stanley and Selma Behnkendorf Riedel was born Sept. 25, 1949, in Fort Dodge. He was baptized in LuVerne and later confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Latimer. He attended kindergarten through fourth grade in LuVerne. He then attended school in Rowan and Belmond. David graduated from the Belmond High School in 1967. As a young man, David scooped sidewalks and mowed yards in Rowan. These jobs enabled him to buy his first Cushman Scooter. He also delivered the Des Moines Register newspaper and helped Dave Benton with the garbage business. After graduating from high school, David joined a water tower painting crew. Working in many dangerous situations high off the ground, this job lasted ten days. Following that job, he worked for R.F. Aldrich Construction crew. David attended North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City and majored in elementary education. In 1969, David began working with his father at Riedel Truck Sales. However, during this employment, David believed he would be drafted into the U.S. Army. A severe automobile accident prevented his entry. After working for a time at Rath Meat Packing in Waverly, he attended ICCC in Eagle Grove, working on elementary education. In 1970, David began work with Eb Rietz Rowan Lumber Company in Rowan and Grain and also helped load boxcars at the elevator.

David was united in marriage to Barbara Finn on Dec. 4, 1971. David and Barbara made their home their entire married life in and around Rowan. David owned and operated a dump truck business, auto body business on Highway 3, and helped Erv Halverson farm. In 1980, David began working for the Jackson Jordan Railroad in Kansas. He would work for them until 1992. In 1992, he purchased a tree business from Rich Reed. He continued with the tree cutting business until his death.

Dave and Barb, together raised four wonderful children: Tracy, Jackie, Emily and Josh. They encountered many ups and downs with their children. From a lawn mowing accident to kidney surgeries, the Riedels are fighters that persevered. A perseverance that stayed with David right up to his own death. David is remembered for many things, but most of all for the passion he had for the things he liked. Triumph Motorcycles, New York Yankees, NASCAR driver No. 23 Jimmy Spencer, and most of all his loving family. The big blue eyes full of mischief, the full head of silver-fox hair, the Cheshire-cat grin, and the contagious unique chuckle, were David’s and will long be remembered. It is impossible to contain all that he liked. It is his passion that will live on in his loving family.

David is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Tracy Dorr of Rowan, Jaclyn Wessels (Jason) of Belmond, Emily Riedel of Sac City, Josh Riedel of Rowan; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Dorr, Madison and Tristan Wessels; great- grandchild, Gage Dorr; parents, Stanley and Selma Riedel of Rowan; sister, Marcia Burt (Randy) of Rowan; brothers, Larry Riedel (Donna) of Rowan, Steven Riedel of Rowan and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents and a son-in-law, Tim Dorr. Dugger Funeral Homes, Belmond, IA.

Mason City Globe Gazette - Iowa
April 29, 2012