Richard E. Riegel

1919 - 2012

Richard E Riegel passed away January 29, 2012, at Royal Vista Care center. Richard was born February 3, 1919 to Marion and Bessie Riegel in Ellensburg. Richard spent his life farming, and as he grew up he held other side jobs as well, but his first priority was the operation of the family farm. He was a ditch walker for Westside Irrigation, raised sweet corn for Twin City Food's, and raised hay for Ward Rugh. Richard was a board member for Westside Irrigation and Mid State co-op for 30 years. Richard attended Damman School and went on to graduate from Ellensburg High School. On December 28, 1951, Richard married the love of his life, Jolanda Damskey. On December 28, 2011 they celebrated their 60th anniversary. Their union gave them two children: son Kirk and daughter Renee. Together Richard and Jolanda continued to farm and raise their children. Richard was very dedicated to his farm, he raised dairy cows and beef cows. When the family took their annual vacation to Chelan, Jolanda and the kids would spend the week and Richard would join them on the weekend. Richard witnessed many changes through the years with farming: he went from using horses, to metal wheeled tractors to rubber tires, and onto the wonders of today. Richard was named Kittitas County Farm Bureau Farmer of the year in the 1960's. In the late 60's and early 70's he worked at Webster's Smoke House in the winter months. He enjoyed visiting with his friends and customers, following smoke house tradition he would roll dice to see if the customer's lunch was on the house or if they had to pay double. He and Jolanda had a love for sports, and they attended Ellensburg High School and CWU sporting events. They especially loved baseball: they were Mariner fans. The last few years on the farm he rented pasture to Beard's rodeo stock; he and Jolanda enjoyed watching the mamas and their foals out in the pasture. Richard is survived by his wife, Jolanda, of Ellensburg; son Kirk (Marie) Riegel, of Ellensburg; daughter, Renee (John) Bisbee of Yakima, granddaughter Kristine Riegel of Ellensburg and sister-in-law Sadie Riegel of Ellensburg. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Forest, Cleo and Ralph. Graveside services will be held Saturday February 4, 2012 at IOOF Cemetery at 1:30. A reception will follow at Hearthstone Cottage 802 E Mountain View in the Garden Walk room. Memorial contributions can be made to Kittitas County 4-H Endowment Trust Fund or charity of donor's choice in care of Affordable Funeral Care 101 E 2nd Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926. Affordable Funeral Care, Ellensburg is entrusted with arrangements.