Dennis Riedel

1940 – 2021

The family of Dennis Riedel, age 80, is saddened to announce his passing on January 4^th. With a big smile and humor, he persevered different health challenges, and finally succumbed to cancer. Dad lived his life based on strong faith and service to others. For over 40 years he was committed to building and running Waterfellow Enterprises, teaching us the importance of a strong work ethic. Dennis is much loved by family and a wide circle of friends. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joyce, sons Gordon (Maxine) and Grant (Donna), daughter Andrea (Greg) Niemi and grandchildren Owen (Amy), Drew, Jordy and Ryan, brothers Arnold and Fred Riedel, uncle Albert (Irene) Daniels, brother-in-law Stewart Tod, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dennis had many adventures growing up in the North End of Winnipeg with good friends Dan and Tom but Dad’s heart was in the country. He enjoyed old-time music and the company of family and neighbors at his uncles’ house parties “back in the bush”. He settled near Anola in 1965 with his wife Joyce and they lived there together for all 55 years. Dad was always mechanically minded working with CN, Acklands, Co-op Implements, and eventually building Waterfellow Enterprises with his family, doing small engine repair in Beausejour and heating and plumbing services based out of Anola. The company continues to this day with his son Grant. Dad also tried his hand at cattle farming, with the assistance of neighbors and family, until wisely focusing his efforts on Waterfellow.

Dennis built close and long-lasting relationships with neighbors and his church community. His extended family was an integral and sustaining part of his life. He often kept them busy with prayers on his behalf. Dad joked that he was allergic to gravity, and that the problem wasn’t the fall it was the landing! Accidents altered the way he was able to live his life but, in faith, he maintained a joyful attitude and continued to work and serve with his efforts even spanning continents (e.g., Burundi clinic water well).

Dad loved playing cards, being in the bush to cut wood with friends, and getting away to Moth Lake to fish and relax. He led his sons in Boy Scouts and shared canoe and fishing trip adventures with his children and grandchildren. He cherished his yearly trips to locations across the US and Canada for church celebrations and activities. Dennis was very proud of the accomplishments of his family, including their amateur musical talents.

We thank Dr. de Moissac and the staff of Ste. Anne hospital for all their efforts to care for Dad. We hope to have a memorial service in the future, when we can again gather together. In the meantime, to remember Dad perhaps read Ephesians 2: 8-10, listen to a Marty Robbins tune, go for a walk in the bush, or savor some scotch.

Dad, we thank God for you.

In retirement, Dennis enjoyed recycling scrap to support many charities. Feel free to make a donation to a charity of your choice in his memory.

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