Donald E. Risdal

ATKINS:

Donald “Rizzy” Risdal, 83, died Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at his residence following a sudden illness.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 4, 2016 at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Atkins with Rev. Steven Rempfer officiating. Interment will be held at St. Stephen’s Cemetery near Atkins with Graveside Military Rites conducted by Adolph H. Schueler American Legion Post #217 of Atkins and Iowa Military Funeral Honors. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m., Sunday at the church in Atkins. A memorial fund has been established for St. St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Friends of the Shelter in Vinton or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Donald was born March 5, 1932 in Atkins to Orvie and Rose (Schueler) Risdal and graduated from the Atkins High School in 1950. He served his nation in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a member of the Adolph Schueler American Legion Post #217 of Atkins, and the V.F.W. in Cedar Rapids.

On June 1, 1957 he was united in marriage to Joan Shaw at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church. She preceded him in death in October of 1978.

“Rizzy” owned Don Risdal Builder in Atkins and was a skilled woodworker. He was a member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Atkins. He loved spending time with family, especially with grand and great grandchildren during the Holidays. He enjoyed football and Nascar. He truly enjoyed being involved in the constructions of the fellowship addition to his church. “Rizzy” was a cat and St. Bernard dog lover.

He is survived by his partner in life for thirty-six years, Diane Beatty; his daughters

Sue (Rich) Blattler and Stacy (Gordon Grant) Murphy, all of Shellsburg; his grandchildren, Chris Blattler, Kelsey (Scottie) Fish and Cody (Cassie Lacher) Willman; his great grandchildren, Caleb and Carmyn Blattler and Carver Fish; Diane’s children, Shelley (Rob Koopman) Lauterwasser and Deborah (Terry) Larson, and her grandchildren, Brandon and Austin Lauterwasser; his brothers-in-law, Melvin Oberhokamp and Jim (Nancy) Shaw; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Elaine Voss.

Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton is in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left at: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com

Comments

Submit a Condolence

PF December 31, 2015, 5:02 pm Although I never met Don, he was a supporter of Friends of the Shelter for years. His generosity showed his character and our hearts reach out to his family.

JGP December 31, 2015, 11:52 pm My deepest condolences to my Aunt Diane Beatty and my cousins Shelley and Debbie, and to Don\'s family members. Don was a wonderful man, an exceptional builder, and had a big soft spot for his pets.

RL January 1, 2016, 11:20 am I grew up with Don, we were classmates at Atkins High. Although far away in Vermont, I would phone Don now and again. I well remember where he lived as it was the Johnson farm where we were allowed to ride the horse. He was a good man, and I mourn his passing.

AK January 5, 2016, 2:48 pm Stacy and family, I am so sorry to hear of your father\'s death. Please accept our deepest sympathies
Joel and Ann

Obituaries : Donald E. Risdal

Comments