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Richard Riehl Obituary
He was born Sept. 13, 1955. Richard graduated from Crystal Lake Community High School in 1973 and from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1978 with a degree in marketing.
After his graduation from college, Richard became a world traveler, spending time in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. He settled outside of Pasadena, Calif., where he was employed at Jet Propulsion Lab of NASA for more than 25 years.
Richard had many varied interests, almost always associated with the outdoors. He loved the San Gabriel Mountains near his home and spent much of his time there hiking, camping and horseback riding.
He is survived by his siblings, Theresa (Riehl) Gratton, Victor Riehl, Virginia (Riehl) Derikrava and Katherine Riehl; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Bernadette (Langlois) Riehl.
He always will be remembered as a gentle soul, a loyal friend and a loving person by all who came to know him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Riehl
Sponsored by Marsha McGhee.
Another photo of Rick enjoying the beautiful views in Mammoth. Miss him forever.
Marsha McGhee
February 2, 2020
Karen Ramsay
November 2, 2014
Earth was a better place with you on it, Rick! You will always be missed and never forgotten!!
I'd give anything for you to still be here.
Marsha McGhee
November 1, 2014
It's been three long years since you left this earth, but sometimes it seems like yesterday that we were walking down this path and enjoying life. And yet it seems like so long since I've got to see you, we always had so much fun. I miss you terribly and always will, but I know I'll see you again. I'll never get over losing you. Love you forever, Rick.
Karen Ramsay
November 1, 2013
We sure do miss you and your beautiful, contagious laugh, Rick! You had a great way with people and were filled with wisdom I know you are at great peace now and we all look forward to seeing you someday. We will never forget you!
Tamarack Lodge in Mammoth - wonderful memories.
Marsha McGhee
November 1, 2013
I wish you were here, Rick. I miss everything about you and I wish that we were in Mammoth where you loved to fish, hike and enjoy breakfasts and dinners. You loved life. I love you.
Two years today since you left this earth, it's been a nightmare with out you. I miss you terribly and I love you forever.
Marsha McGhee
November 1, 2013
Katherine Riehl
December 23, 2012
For my sweet little brother - I miss you and would give anything to call and wish you a Merry Christmas
December 22, 2012
Rick was a wonderful guy, a great human being. Rick and I were roommates in college for 2 and 1/2 years. The last time I saw him was 1983 during our 10th high school reunion.
Anne Pursell Dolezal
November 14, 2012
I had lost track of Rich many years ago and every once in a while would do a search to see if I could find him. This is not the way I expected to find him. We had great times in Crystal Lake. I will miss you even more now.
Doug Drummond
May 2, 2012
What a shock to learn of Rich's passing...I knew Rich from the U of I days and am pleased to learn that his laugh and his wonderful nature continued all these years. So sorry to have lost touch and sorrier to have missed connecting with him.
Rick, loving the outdoors on one of hikes.
Marsha McGhee
May 1, 2012
It's been six months, dear Rick, and I miss everything about you. I think of you always. Until I see you again, I have our beautiful memories. I love you!
Diane McFarlin
March 1, 2012
wow, one of those names and faces that one never forgets. Rich was the best man at my first wedding. Though I am no longer married to my first husband, who was Rich's dear friend, I can't help but reflect on some very very fun times together. A free spirit, with a loving heart. And, he sure could make me laugh. One of those souls you never forget. Peace as you fly through to your next journey, Mr. Riehl!
Karen Ramsay
February 20, 2012
Rick had such a wonderful way with people. I loved his voice and beautiful laugh. He was so funny with a great sense of humor. Even though my twin, Marsha, and I are separated by a few miles I always knew that Rick took wonderful care of her. Anyone that knew Rick knew he loved the outdoors and he and Marsha spent hours, weeks and years hiking together.
Rick - Just after a wonderful time at breakfast in late May 2011, and before we knew...he was so brave, always hopeful, and fought really hard.
Marsha McGhee
February 15, 2012
Dear Rick at Convict Lake - our favorite hike on our last trip to Mammoth...a little over a year ago.
Marsha McGhee
February 15, 2012
John Wehde
February 14, 2012
So many memories of growing up together in Crystal Lake. He was such a special person. We are all fortunate to have shared part of our lives with Rich. We will miss him... but will meet up again some day and start anew!
February 11, 2012
Rich was a friend of my son Kevin's and I was a friend of his mother. Kevin was always treated with warmth in their home. My condolences to the family. Kay Kavanagh Ellingson, Crystal Lake
Paula Smith
February 10, 2012
I didn't see Rick often, but I loved hearing about his travel adventures, and I admired his quest for knowledge about interesting subjects. He was, and still is, an inspiration. I will always remember his beautiful laugh.
Jim Reece
February 9, 2012
He was my friend. And he always will be. Even though it has been years since we last talked his sudden absence struck deep. I look forward to catching up one day on the other side. Sleep well my friend.
Rick - My best friend and my soul mate.
Marsha McGhee
February 9, 2012
Rick was the most wonderful man that I've ever known, my best friend and my soul mate. We made so many wonderful memories together, hiked so many miles and enjoyed so much that life had to offer. I'll always love him, and I'll miss him until I see him again.
Katherine Riehl
February 9, 2012
To my beloved younger brother as well as all those who mourn him, my prayer is that he travel as well in his new life - as he did in this one.
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