"Every day is a holiday and every meal is a feast."
"That is where we are at. We move forward
from here."
John Louis Riegel was born on October 22, 1941, the son of Louis & Junnis
Riegel, in Fairmont. He died Saturday, November 27, 2004, in Park Ridge, IL, at
the age of 63 years 1 month, 5 days.
He graduated from Fairmont High School in 1959 and attended college in Mankato.
He served in the US Army from 1963 to 1965. He married Joan Abel of Welcome, MN
on June 25, l966. John & Joan moved to Elk Grove Village, IL in 1967 where they
have lived for the past 37 years.
John was the comptroller for P.E.L., Inc. in Addison, IL. He was an avid bowler,
Nascar fan, and enjoyed watching all sports.
Along with his beloved wife, Joan, he is survived by his children: Dawn Riegel
of South Elgin, IL; Stephen Riegel of Denver, CO; and Kimberly (Jacob) Wills and
granddaughter, Teghan, of Glendale Heights, IL; his sister, Joyce (Lenny)
Jorgenson of Rochester; one aunt, Gladys Larsen of Banning, CA; sister-in-law
Evelyn Koons and brother-in-laws Walter (Carolyn) Abel, Arnold (Rita) Abel,
Edwin (Marlene) Abel, and Howard (Eileen) Abel of Welcome, Irvin Abel of New Ulm,
and Norman (Sue) Abel of Fairmont, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased in death by his parents, grandparents, many aunts and uncles,
sister-in-law Fay Abel, and brother-in-law William Koons.
After a long and hard battle with cancer that he fought with amazing bravery,
strength and courage John passed away peacefully. Memorials can be made to The
American Cancer Society in John's honor.
Guest Book for
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December 3, 2004 |
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My deepest sympathy to all of
John's family, I was one of those blessed with the opportunity to know
John well and grow up in the 50's at a wonderful time in a great
community with so many fond memories. I echo all the other entries in
this Guest Book, we have lost a good man. |
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Jerry pietan (atlantic
beach, FL )
pietan.jerald@mayo.edu |
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December 2, 2004 |
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My sympathies to Joan and the
family. John and I where friends from grade school to now. I will miss
his carefree smile. |
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Neil Benschoter (Fairmont,
MN ) |
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December 1, 2004 |
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John was a wonderful man to work
with, always in a good mood and with a great dry sense of humor. I will
miss him very much. My sympathies to his family. |
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Kurt Wohlert (Chicago, IL )
kurt@winediscountcenter.com |
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November 30, 2004 |
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Joan (and Family): So sorry to hear
of the passing of John - he fought the "good fight". I think he and I
renewed our "Cousin Bond" at Petra/Vina's Cabin - and, subequent visit
and e-mails. May the good memorieies of "JOHN" help you through this
difficult time. Take care and Love, "cousin Kirk" (Pam, John and
Michael) |
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Kirk Vogen (Plano, TX )
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November 30, 2004 |
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I'm so sorry John lost the battle
he fought so hard to win. To witness his struggle, even from afar, has
been almost unbearable. Joan and family, you were warriors by his side
and I know a great comfort. John will always be missed by those of us
who knew and loved him our whole life. He was a dear and special cousin
who seemed to take life at face value. I hope I can be as galant when my
life ends. |
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Petra Marquart
(Minneapolis, MN ) |
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November 30, 2004 |
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I was saddened to hear of John's
death. He was a good friend to all in high school. Obviously his death
has affected SO many in the class of '59. We are reminded of our basic
roots and the great time we had together growing up. I'm sure John is
reading all of these entries and smiling--his ever-present smile---that
is how I will always remember him. Peace to his family. |
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Rita (Smed) Larson (St.
Augustine, FL )
rraelarson@comcast.net |
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November 30, 2004 |
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We had so much fun growing up in
Fairmont. All the parties and dances and laughing and good friends.
John was one of the most fun kids in our class. We miss him already.
Love to you, Joan, and all the family.
Judi Poulson, Class of 59 FHS |
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Judi (Pieser) Poulson
(Fairmont, MN )
judpeace@charter.net |
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November 30, 2004 |
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I always wanted to be as nice and
friendly as John when I knew him in school. He was a very nice person. I
hope to meet him in heaven where I am positive he ended up! |
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Byron Johnston (WHITE BEAR
LAKE, MN )
byron@mninter.net |
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My heartfelt sympathy to John's family.
He always had an uplifting attitude that made it fun just to hang out with
him. He was always upfront and never mean-spirited. When I think of growing
up in Fairmont(the best place in the world to grow up), John is very much
part of those thoughts...whether it was just hanging out, or getting into
some minor trouble..I will always remember John with the fondest of
memories. I was lucky to call him a friend. |
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steve drosman (san diego, CA )
sdrosmanmd@aol.com |
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November 29, 2004 |
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John was a part of my growing up in
Fairmont. My prayers and sympathy go to John's family. What a full life he
has lived with his loved ones. |
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Ginny Burton (Roswell, NM )
ginnyburton@yahoo.com |
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November 29, 2004 |
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Our sincere sympathy at this difficult
time. |
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Dennis and Helen Classon
(Fairmont, MN ) |
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November 29, 2004 |
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My sister Doris and John's sister Joyce
were very good friends in high school, so I met John through our sisters. I
will always remember his blond hair and horn-rimmed glasses. My sincerest
sympathy to John's family. May God comfort you and keep you in His gracious
hands. |
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Julia Kanning Westby (Olympia,
WA )
jewestby@comcast.net |
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November 29, 2004 |
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John was one of my best buddies in high
school and the college years that we spent in Fairmont before we moved on to
persue our careers. At the 45th class reunion Sept '04, most of the
converstations I had with classmates included a story involving John. We had
many good times, perhaps a little mischief, but certainly a wonderful
friendship. Those memories are forever. My thoughts and prayers are with
Joan and family. |
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Dick Monhardt (Glastonbury, CT
)
oldstage52@aol.com |
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November 29, 2004 |
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To John's family,
As a fellow member of the class of '59 of Fairmont High School, it impacts
all of us when we lose a dear class member. I knew John from our earliest
days in grade school...and that was a l-o-n-g time ago. I guess the most
appropriate thing you can say about him (in the vernacular of our day),is:
"He was a good guy!" Everybody liked John...and I know he liked everybody in
return. |
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Darrel Wilson (New Ulm, MN )
darrelwilson99@hotmail.com |
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November 29, 2004 |
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My sincere sympathy to the family. John
and I had many wonderful times when we were growing up in Fairmont. |
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Don Anderson (Spokane, WA )
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November 29, 2004 |
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My deepest sympathy to John's family. |
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Lyle Ziemann |
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November 29, 2004 |
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We're sure going to miss John. I'm so
glad I was able to go see him last week. We had a great conversation. Please
accept our sympathy in this most difficult time. |
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Ron & Jan Edhlund (Palatine, IL
)
ron@prooftech.com |
