Richard Rieder

Richard P. "Dick" Rieder, of Backus, passed away Saturday, February 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; lumber jack; 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 ½ 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 AM, Friday, February 29 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Pine River, with Father George Zeck officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 7 PM at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River, and one hour prior to the service at the church.