Edward Riffel

Edward Verl Riffel, age 78, passed away May 29, 2024 in Newton KS. He was born in Chapman KS to Verl and Ann Marie (Schroeder) Riffel.

He didn't know a stranger and made everyone feel welcome. He was hard working and liked dabbling in many different things over the years. He managed Walton Coop service station, building construction, had a tree trimming business using a crawler tractor, boot repair store, lawn mower repair business, restaurant, contractor for the railroad and no he didn't do all this at one time. He even sold vehicles on occasion!

He liked building stuff (a handyman), making it bigger and better. He would take a building, house, shed, you name it and improve its usefulness. We believe this was very satisfying to him. When he was not working he spent time on the lake and helping people in the community. He took it upon himself to repaint all the street signs at Marion County Lake (where he presided for some time).

One of his hobbies included Ed's favorite pastime was fishing with his collection of fish poles and lures. Other hobbies/projects included hunting, working on cars in his early years, stain glass making, woodworking, model planes/boats, and raising meat goats.

He saw a need for the 4H youth to show goats, so he started the 4H Goat project and successfully built it into a big part of the livestock show during the county fair, which is still going on today!

As dad got older he began to slow down, but still had the passion and desire to help others - he delivered for Meals On Wheels for a time and enjoyed talking to everyone he delivered to. It was amazing to us his desire to help others. There was a time when a farmer had some health issues and dad went to his farm and helped harvest his wheat crop.

Ed was a beloved father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by children Mike (Lisa) Riffel, Kurt (Shelly) Riffel, and grandsons Luke and Zach Riffel, his sister Yvonne and nephew Lenny (Tracie), sister Julie and nephews Matt (Mary), Brad (Tabitha), and extended family.

Ed was predeceased in death by his parents and a niece Jennifer.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 6, 5-9 pm with family present 6-8 at Petersen's Funeral Home in Newton, Kansas. Address is:

Petersen's Family Funeral Home at 215 N. Main Newton, Kansas 67114.

The funeral service will be on Friday, June 7, at 10 am at Petersen's with private family burial after.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be sent to Petersen's Family Funeral Home at 215 N. Main Newton, Kansas 67114. Memorials will be made to Marion County Meals on Wheels or Caring Hands Humane Society.