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BORN
1939
DIED
2023
Lars Riise Obituary
December 10, 1939 - June 24, 2023
Atwater, California - Lars Ernest Riise, a loving husband and father of two, passed away at the age of 83 on Saturday June 24, 2023. "Ernie" was born in Merced on December 10, 1939 and grew up on the family farm outside of Winton. He graduated from Merced High School and Chico State College before beginning a 20-year career as an 8th grade science teacher at Mitchell Senior in Atwater. Not long after starting, he met his future wife, Diane, who also taught at Mitchell. They lived about a block from the school ever since and were married for 58 years at the time of his passing. Following his teaching career, he pursued an interest in personal finances and worked as an investment advisor. Throughout his life, he had a passion for music and could be seen (and heard) playing his trombone in a variety of marching and concert bands throughout central California and singing in his church choir. He also enjoyed traveling, swimming, Dad jokes, and gardening. His streak of constructing gingerbread houses every Christmas for over 50 years was pretty sweet too. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Lars and Ernestine Riise. He is survived by his wife Diane, his brother, two sons, two daughters-in-law, four grandchildren, and a great granddaughter. Friends and family will gather on July 15, 2023 to celebrate Ernie's life. Some may choose to honor Ernie's memory through a donation to the American Cancer Society.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lars Riise
Ramona Horta
December 4, 2023
I am very sorry to read of the passing of your beloved dad. He was my teacher at Mitchell Sr. I will always thinking of him with great fondness as he was a very kind teacher. Sincerely Ramona Grijalba Horta-Riedeman
Bob Nelson
July 12, 2023
Ernie was my best friend when we lived closer than a quarter-mile apart and we went to Arundel elementary school on Schaffer Road. I remember when he was trying to learn how to play the trombone. We used to swim in the irrigation ditch that ran through his parents and grandparents property and jump into the hay that his dad put in the barn. He said he wanted to be a scientist and I see that he was.
We went out separate ways after high school but ever since inI´ve often wondered about how Ernie was doing.
Karen Arnold
July 11, 2023
Diane and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. He was such a kind man with a quiet sense of humor. I know that he will be remembered by the many students he taught and the friends who will miss him.
Elizabeth Silveira
July 10, 2023
I, too, had Mr Riise for my 8th grade science teacher, along with Mrs Riise in the 7th grade, I believe the year they were married. Mr Riise was a dedicated teacher. I remember well, him playing his trombone in class. He also was instrumental in our start of the first Science Club, where we picked as a project dissecting dogfish! I would often see the two of them, when I would visit my mother in Atwater. My sympathies to you, Mrs. Riise and your family on the loss of Mr Riise.
Tom Vann
July 9, 2023
Went to school with ernie from the first grade thru 12th grade. We played in bands together all thru school.I played the Clarinet.Ernie was a special man.
Shannon Dugdale Merced College Concert Band
July 9, 2023
I'm so sorry Diane! Ernie was such a wonderful man! My thoughts are with you today!!
Dale and Vicki Scott
July 8, 2023
Ernie was a one of a kind man. He was sweet, intelligent, kind, helpful, a family man. He had the greatest sense of humor. WE will miss him, but know he is with our Lord. Bless you Diane and family. Sincere condolences. With love, Vicki and Dale Scott
Linda Luciano- Lindenberg
July 7, 2023
I attended Mitchell Senior Elementary School from 1976 - 1978 and had Mr. Riise as my science teacher. I always remember him as a kind man and a fair teacher. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Linda Luciano - Lindenberg
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