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Jack Riley Obituary
Born on the family farm on March 16, 1925, near Hammond, Jack was the eighth of nine children. He was proud of his farm heritage and Riley family. Jack considered himself unbelievably lucky to have met and married Shirley Nicholson on July 26, 1947, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Rochester. During their 66 years of marriage, they spent a few of their first years together in Culver City, Calif., before returning to Rochester for the remainder of their lives. He was the proud father of five children and is remembered as a devoted husband and dad.
No nearby infant or toddler was immune from Jack's friendly and humorous inquiries. Gregarious and conversational with friends and strangers alike he was more apt to ask a question than converse about himself. He was a fun loving man who could tell a good story. Traveling and volunteering were things he enjoyed in his retirement. He was successful in sales because of his love for people.
Jack is survived by his children, Nancy Crepeau (Rich); Terry Riley (Bev); Peggy Riley; Jackie Johnson (Tedd); and Michael Riley (Jill). Jack is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Dave (Margaret) and Tim Crepeau, Laura (Jermaine Rice), Theresa, and Anna Riley, Elaine, Hannah, and Audrey Johnson, and Elise and Jacob Riley; and two great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Rice and Jack Crepeau. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Shirley Riley of Oceanside, Calif., along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Jack is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; parents, William and Anna; siblings, Clarence (Hazel), Sally, Norbert (Rosie), Ambrose (Margaret), Bernadette (String), Billy (Phyllis), Mary (Dick), and Bobby; and granddaughter; Sarah Riley.
A celebration of Jack's life will be held on Saturday, May 6, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Rochester. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. with Mass at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow.
In accordance with Jack's wishes, memorials are preferred to the family, for later donation to those in need.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Patrick Riley
April 30, 2017
Pat Tom Robin, Jan's with you already, love peace to your family, Pat Riley
Gloria Funk Adell
April 28, 2017
Growing up in the small town of Hammond was where our family knew the Riley`s. Wonderful memories. I saw Jack a few years ago at the Hammond picnic. As always he was the friendly , nice guy that I remembered.RIP Jack !
Joanne Bergstedt
April 28, 2017
We were so happy to include "Grandpa Jack" and "Grandma Shirley," aka The Little People in our extended family! They were always warm and welcoming to this group of MN transplants, and we hope the Rileys find comfort as they share their many fun stories about both their Mom and their Dad.
Joe Pesch
April 27, 2017
Jack was my close, close friend for decades. He had the "Luck of the Irish" and sheer determination. You could never count him out if a croquet game wasn't going in his favor. He could always turn it around through his determination and a bit of Irish luck! Hats off to you, my friend.
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Andrew Pesch
April 27, 2017
I got to experience so many fun times with the Riley family through my younger years. Jack was in his element when camping. He and son Mike introduced me to the sport of croquet. It sounded innocent enough at the time. Little did I know that this supposed gentlemanly activity could turn into epic week long tournament battles where the weak were cast aside, and the victors flaunted their glory by regaling exaggerated stories decades later. Those truly were some very good times. Thank you, Mr. Riley, for being a wonderful influence in my life, and for making me smile and laugh when I reflect back.
Peter Gathje
April 26, 2017
Mr. Riley was one of the stalwarts of the 15th Ave neighborhood. Softball/baseball/kickball games in the street and neighborhood gatherings always included Mr. Riley. I remember him as the rare adult who took kids seriously well also having a wonderful sense of humor. He brought questions and stories into the mix of conversation in ways that were delightful. He made the world a better place in his quiet and steady way. Prayers for the whole Riley family in this time.
Liz (Pesch) Mackey
April 26, 2017
Jack (Mr. Riley as he was known to us), was a dear friend of the Pesch Family and we grew up with he and Shirley's children in Rochester. I will remember Jack's quick wit and ability to make us laugh. Thank you for the great memories of camping, Passover, vacations at Bluff Valley and Camp Olson, and for finding the best in those around you.
Maureen Berkner
April 26, 2017
Jack and Shirley were still wintering in AZ when Jack had his 80th birthday. He was so pleased to be the first Riley to reach that age and be healthy in both mind and body. We had a party for him at Kris & Craig's house; I made Clara Riley's spice cake for him because I "remembered" that Jack liked spice cake and that Clara was his godmother, (I wonder if my remembering is anywhere near factual?)
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