Raymond Riehle

Tuesday, December 20, 2016 8:02 pm

Raymond Riehle, 94, of Spillville, died Monday, Dec. 19, 2016, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wis. Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville, with Rev. Robert Gross and Rev. Donald Hawes officiating. Organist was Lane Rich. Cantor was Dan Silhacek. Hymns were “Here I am, Lord,” “On Eagle’s Wings,” “Amazing Grace,” “Goin’ Home” and “How Great Thou Art.” Lector was Chase Riehle. Eucharistic ministers were Pat Lynch, Jim Barta and Wayne Wiest. Offertory gift bearers were Wendy Bohr and Tara Bigler. Casket bearers were all of Raymond’s grandchildren. Interment was at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery in Spillville. Arrangements were handled by Balik Funeral Home, Spillville.

Raymond Joseph Riehle was born Dec. 22, 1921, the son of George A. and Mathilda (Ptachek) Riehle, near Fort Atkinson. Ray attended rural country school and St. Wenceslaus Catholic School. He was united in marriage to Mildred Marie Schwade May 4, 1943, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville. Together they farmed one and a half miles southwest of Spillville. The farm has been in the family since 1856, and is being farmed by the sixth generation of Riehles. Ray and Mildred moved off the farm in 1973 and into Spillville. He enjoyed going to the farm every day, helping with the farm and welding. He liked to drive the country roads with his pick-up, go dancing, and to golf and play cards. Ray enjoyed time spending with his family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ray was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, serving on church council; vice-president of both the Civic Improvement Association and Senior Housing in Spillville.

Ray is survived by his wife, Mildred Riehle, Spillville; one son, Roger and wife Carol Riehle, Fort Atkinson; eight grandchildren: Patrick (Laurie) Riehle, Jamie (Cheryl) Riehle, Wendy (Jeff) Bohr, Shane (Candi) Riehle, Brady (Dawn) Riehle, Tara (Rick) Bigler, Chase (Breelyn) Riehle, and Mason (Missy) Riehle; great-grandchildren: Ryan, Alyssa, Bryanna, Austyn and Jayson Riehle; Ashley (Brett) Tangen, Tyler and Kylee Riehle; Bryson, Jenna and Loren Bohr; Tiffany, Chandler and Brendon Riehle; Danielle, Dillon Aiden and Logan Riehle; Cody and Tanner Bigler; Cashton and Keaton Riehle, Blake and Carter Riehle; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Helen Riehle, Spillville, Fredolin “Lynn” (Dolores) Schwade, Cresco, Ermin (Mary) Schwade, Gahanna, Ohio, Doris (Leonard) Macal, Cresco and Rita Kuehner, St. Lucas; along with many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, George A. and Mathilda (Ptachek) Riehle; one son, Gary Riehle in 1964; one brother, Earl Riehle and one sister, Marcella (Tony) Still; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Lauretta (Paul) Barta, Mary Schwade, Eugene (Joan) Schwade and Leonard Kuehner.