Walter "Wally" Riel Sr., age 91 of Waupun, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at Waupun Memorial Hospital.
Wally was born on June 8, 1923, the son of John and Winnie (Searvogel) Riel. Before finishing his eighth grade of school he became a hired out farm hand to help with his family's financial needs. Wally was a World War II Veteran, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corp in the Pacific Theater. On January 22, 1944 he was united in marriage to Catherine Vander Woude in Randolph. They were married for seventy years.
After his military service, Wally became an electrician, a farmer, an appliance and TV store manager for twenty years, a local motel owner and finished his working career with Waupun Supply Company as an outside sales person for plumbing supplies. He retired in 1986. Throughout his working career and in retirement Wally was an avid fisherman. Wally was a member of Emmanuel Reformed Church in Waupun where he served as an elder and a deacon. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his strong faith in Jesus Christ his lord.
Wally will also be remembered for his outstanding patriotism. He was a life member of Waupun Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6709 where he served as Senior Vice Commander and member of the post Honor Guard. He was also a member of Waupun American Legion Post 210 and Disabled American Veterans. When Wally and Kay lived at Springbrook apartments on West Brown street he was instrumental in getting a flagpole erected in front of the complex; and when they moved to Prairie Ridge Assisted Living on Wilcox street he repeated those efforts to have a flag pole erected and dedicated there as well. Among the highlights in his life were the opportunity to participate in the WWII Veterans Honor Flight to Washington D.C, and giving small American Flags to the children in his church near every Veteran's Day in November, assisted by granddaughter, Keetra.
Wally is survived by his son, Walter (Charlene) Riel Jr. of Waupun, their son, Matthew (Rachael) Riel and their daughter, Brinley of Beaver Dam; his daughter, Geri (Leland) Preuss of Fond du Lac, her children, Vincent (Traci) Schultz and their daughter, Alaine of Fond du Lac; Keetra (Chris) Baker of Malone; one sister, Haleta (Clifford) Otte of Sheboygan Falls; one brother, Wilbert (Joyce) Riel of Waupun; one sister-in-law, Irene (Alvin) Van Loo of Randolph; one brother-in-law, Raymond Van Loo of Beaver Dam; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of seventy years, Catherine "Kay" Riel on May 26, 2014; four brothers, James, Clarence, Garret and Marvin Riel; four sisters, Katherine Riel, Janet Streekstra, Johanna Ver Straate and Angeline Abel.
A celebration of Wally's life will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 6:00 P.M.at Emmanuel Reformed Church, 400 West Brown Street, Waupun, with Rev. Calvin J. Vande Zande officiating. Burial with military honors provided by VFW Post 6709 and American Legion Post 210 will take place at Forest Mound Cemetery, Waupun on Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at 10:30 A.M.
Wally's family will receive relatives and friends at church on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 from 3:00 P.M. until the hour of service.
A memorial fund has been established for Waupun VFW Post 6709.
Wally's family wishes to thank his special niece, Debbie Riel, the staff at Prairie Ridge, Heartland Hospice and Waupun Memorial Hospital for their excellent care; and to Rev. Calvin Vande Zande for his frequent visits to Wally at home and in the hospital.
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