OLMITZ — John B. Riedel, 80, died Dec. 30, 2018, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington. He was born July 8, 1938, on the family farm near Olmitz, Kan., the son of Bernard J. and Anna V. (Budig) Riedel. John was a graduate of Otis High School and served in the Army Reserves. 

A lifetime resident of Olmitz, John drove the milk truck for the cheese plant and then as a pumper in the oilfield for many years. Later he worked as an irrigation specialist for A.V.I. John Deere in Larned; and Bird Oil. He retired from Superior Essex as a machine operator at the age of 70. 

He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, in Olmitz. He had also served on the Olmitz city council and the volunteer fire department. John loved to tinker and could most often be found in his garage working on a project. He also loved to garden and smoke meats in his smokehouse, and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

On Oct. 20, 1958, he married Imelda A. “Meldie” Lichter at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Olmitz. She preceded him in death on Jan. 1, 2018.

He is survived by six children, Brenda Riedel of Olmitz, Tom Riedel of McPherson, Sandy Urban and husband Charlie of Olmitz, Richard Riedel and wife Shelley of Hoisington, Linda Pechanec and husband Tom of Timken, and Sheila Schilowsky of Great Bend; sister, Janet Savage of Gilman City, Mo.; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Tammy Jo Riedel; brother, Melvin Riedel; and a sister, Ann Mantz.

Friends may call 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Casket will be closed, per his wishes. 

Vigil and Rosary will be 7 p.m. Thursday, with family to greet friends prior to, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, all at St. Ann Catholic Church, Olmitz, celebrated by Father Don Bedore. Burial will follow in St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery, Olmitz. Memorials may be made to the Olmitz Volunteer Fire Department, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 

P.O. Box 146 

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 1, 2019