Erling Rivedal

1933 - 2025

Born in Leavenworth on January 29, 1933, Erling Thor Rivedal was a devoted family man, lifelong artist, and vital member of the Grace Lutheran Church community. He passed away on December 6, 2025 at age 92. His parents were Erling and Thora (Windheim) Rivedal who emigrated to Central Washington from Norway. Erling graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1951 before entering the Navy. He served in the Marshall Islands as a part of the Construction Battalion ("Seabees") during the Korean War. After his tour of duty, Erling moved back to Washington and graduated from Wenatchee Valley College in 1955. That summer he married Wanda (Hall) Rivedal, his wife of seventy years. Erling worked for the Washington State Department of Highways for many years and concluded his career at the civil engineering firm Forsgren & Associates.
Erling was actively involved in the lives of his three children, two grandchildren, and great-grandson. He was a committed constituent of Grace Lutheran Church and rarely missed a Sunday service over the past nine decades. He contributed greatly to the church community, most notably leading the sanctuary's stained-glass window project, a lasting reminder of his artistic vision and commitment to his faith and fellowship. He loved his canine companions and cared for many family dogs over his life. He was a member of Wenatchee's BPOE Elks Club and enjoyed bike riding, skiing, painting, woodworking, boating on Lake Chelan, and assisting Wanda in beautifying their home and garden. He was a lifelong learner who loved crossword puzzles, history channel documentaries, and thrilling novels. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage and maintained relationships with his extended family in Scandinavia.
Erling is survived by his wife Wanda, his children Pamela Ayer (Bill), Jane Rivedal (Chris Johnson), and Steven Rivedal (Linda), his grandchildren Travis Firth (Christine), Elizabeth Ayer (Brad Nordman), and his great-grandson, TJ Firth, along with many friends in the Wenatchee area.
Please join us in celebrating his life on March 14 at 11:00 am at Grace Lutheran Church.
Contributions to the Wenatchee Hospice are greatly appreciated and can be made to the Confluence Health Foundation- please specify Wenatchee Hospice to honor Erling.