John Phillip Riedel

John Phillip Riedel, 70, born December 3, 1941 in East St. Louis, Illinois went home to heaven on February 22, 2012 to be with his family and friends, free of suffering and pain. John was a retired plumber with Plumbers and Gasfitters local 360.He was a co owner of Riedel’s Restaurant for many years. John owned and operated Mid-State Coach Lines and was a former Black Jack dealer at the Alton Belle Casino. He served in the United States National Guard, was involved with the Black Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, The Millstadt Crusaders, Blue Devils Senior Corps and Brass Unlimited. John built the family home more than 40 years ago when his family continued to grow. John attended Assumption and Cathedral High Schools and Rankin Technical College. He was an avid Cardinal and Rams fan and loved to tail gate with his family. He was a proud and loving husband, father and grandfather. John was very much loved by family and friends. He will be missed each and every day.

John is preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary, nee Saunders, Riedel; brother, James Riedel and a infant sister, Baby Jane Riedel.

John is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Rita Marie, nee Huster, Riedel; three sons and two daughters, Jeffrey Riedel of Rock Hill, Missouri, Ed Riedel (Harry Leip) of St. Louis, Missouri, Paula (Brian) Pinkerton of St. Augustine, Florida, Michael (Donna) Riedel of Florence, Kentucky and Jennifer Riedel (Fiance, Joe O’Conner) of Eagan, Minnesota; Four Grandchildren, Kelsey Riedel, Kaleigh Riedel, Alex Riedel and Loralei Linder; brother, Robert “Pete” (Esther) Riedel; sisters, Barbara Todoroff, Kathy (Dave) Bauer and Mary (Phil) Aleman; Special friend, Jake Hatley and his beloved dog, Molly. Also, survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives, family and friends.

Memorials in John’s honor may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society, The American Heart Association or to the American Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com

A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2012 from 12:30 – 2:00 PM at the Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois.

Services celebrating John’s Life will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 2:00 pm at the Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois

Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois