Richard "Dick" P. Rieder
BACKUS - Richard "Dick" P. Rieder, of Backus, passed away Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008, at age 96 after a brief illness. He was born May 10, 1911, in Walker where he was raised by his parents, "B" and Genevieve Rieder.
Dick held many jobs throughout his life including projectionist at the Walker movie theater, showing both silent films and early "talkies," railroad depot attendant, cook for road crews and local resorts, poultry, livestock and dairy farmer and carpenter, building many homes throughout the area. One of his most memorable experiences was working as a cook for the CCCs (Civilian Conservation Corps) prior to World War II. He was a proud member of the Ponto Lake Township Board for 57 years.
Dick was an avid outdoorsman and at age 95 he had the last in a number of successful deer hunts, harvesting a 190-pound 8-point buck. Last summer, he caught an 8.5 pound walleye. In his retirement, he took up wood carving with a special interest in spearing decoys and canes. Every Christmas for the last 80 years, he made wreaths for friends and family.
Dick is survived by daughter, Dianne; and son-in-law, Jim Gahagan; granddaughter, Shannon Gahagan, and her husband, Josh Adams; nephews, Arthur Ray Reuck, Richard and Raymond Sauer and Raymond and Clayton Rieder; nieces, Lorraine Benowitz, Mary Gumbrecht and Donna Conn.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Dorothy (Reuck); sons, Terry and Robert; brother, Raymond Rieder; and sister, Katherine Sauer; nephew, Ed Sauer; and niece, Genevieve Mullen.
Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 29, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Pine River, with Father George Zeck officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home, Pine River.