Robert Riedel

A memorial service for Natrona County resident, Robert "Bob" W. Riedel, age 88, will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, May 13, 2017, at Bethel Baptist Church in Casper, Dr. Steven Gunderson officiating. Cremation has already taken place. Bob passed away on April 30, 2017 at Life Care Center in Casper. Bob was born November 4, 1928, in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Benjamin John and Frances (Duffield) Riedel. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1946, Jackson Junior College in 1948, earned a B.S. degree in Geological Engineering from the Michigan College of Mining and Technology in 1950, a Master's degree in Geology/Geophysics from the University of Wisconsin in 1957 and an Associate's degree in Nursing from Casper College in 1986. In June of 1950 he went to work for the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. in Ishpeming, Michigan. He worked for Cliffs for the next 33 plus years, less two years for military duty and one year for graduate school. His work for Cliffs included roles as Mine Geologist at several underground and open-pit mines, Exploration Geologist in various places, Mining Engineer and Manager of the Uranium Division. These work assignments took him to Northern Michigan, Northern Minnesota, Wyoming, Australia and a seven-year tour of duty in Ontario, Canada. His military service was in 1952-1954 with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On December 29, 1956 he married Lois Jean List of Grass Lake, Michigan and the grand adventure that was their life together started with that seven-year assignment in Northwest Ontario, Canada. As a dedicated Christian he was very active in church work for most of his life, especially in various teaching and administrative roles. He loved the outdoors and did considerable hunting, fishing, back-packing, hiking, family camping, geologizing and canoeing. In those pursuits he did considerable photography. Reading and some writing were favorite pastimes also. He took early retirement from Cliffs in 1983, worked intermittently as a consulting geologist, did some prospecting in Wyoming and became a Registered Nurse in Wyoming through the nursing course at Casper College. With that training he was both a nurse and a volunteer with Central Wyoming Hospice. Both Bob and Lois loved to see new country, places and people so traveled extensively both inside and outside the U.S. Both also loved to sing and were members of church choirs and the Casper Civic Chorale for many years. Survivors include his son, David Riedel of Casper; daughter, Anne (Michael) Christian of Casper; son Dr. Patrick (Cynthia) Riedel in Minneapolis; grandchildren, John, Sophia, and Alexa Riedel; sisters, Jean Hunt and Mary Riedel; nephew, Jim (Deb) Hunt; niece, Sally (Steve) Lyford; and grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 52 years, Lois J. Riedel. Memorials may be made to Central Wyoming Hospice, 319 South Wilson, Casper, WY 82601. "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21 Please click here to view the video tribute