Ralph Reuben Riedell, age 69, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Spooner Health in Spooner, WI.

Ralph was born on April 11, 1955, in Rice Lake, WI, the son of Reuben and Martha (Larson) Riedell. He was raised and graduated high school in Rice Lake. Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 27, 1976, and served for three years in the military. He was honorably discharged and came back to Wisconsin where he attended WITC and went to school for drafting. During this time, he met the love of his life, Donna Single. Ralph and Donna were married on September 18, 1982, in Taylors Falls, MN. Ralph reenlisted into the military and served for four more years. While serving his country, Ralph earned the National Defense Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Driver’s Badge, and the M-16 Expert Qualification Badge. After his honorable discharge on October 25, 1986, Ralph and Donna moved to Brill, WI where Ralph worked for the Haugen Feed Mill. After working there a short time, he took a job for Louisiana Pacific in Hayward as a Konus Operator for 32 years. During that time, he moved his family to Spooner, WI.

Some of the things Ralph enjoyed in his life were fishing, smoking barbeque, playing a variety of games as well as board games, the Packers and Brewers, birdwatching, listening to Blues music and hosting parties on the patio. Above all else, he loved his time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a great father, husband, and grandfather. He was hardworking, to the point, always helping others and had a great sense of humor.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 43 years, Donna Riedell; his children, Amy (Nicholas) Pothen of Cumberland, WI, Sean (Brittany) Riedell of Cameron, WI, Martha Scheff of Turtle Lake, WI, Nick (Annie) Riedell of Webster, WI; four grandchildren, Austin, Kurt, Ayden, and Amelia; his siblings, Bonnie Walters of Oakdale, MN, Carol Hauck of the Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mark Riedell of Birchwood, WI, and Tina (Jeff Schwing) Riedell of Mooresville, NC; many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Jim Church, and “Goober” Kim Johnson.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Laurel Weck.

A celebration of life will be held for Ralph beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Spooner American Legion in Spooner, WI. Military honors will taking place at 4:00 p.m. at the American Legion provided by the Spooner American Legion, Post #12.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to the Spooner American Legion Post 12.

Last Update: Mar 13, 2025 12:59 pm CDT