Linda Lee Riegel, 73, went to be with the Lord on December 3, 2017, after a four-year battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
Linda was born on October 7, 1944, in Marinette, Wisconsin, the daughter of Orlena Ruth Krei and Sentinal George Cooper, and she was the third of seven daughters. She was united in marriage to Larry Charles Riegel on October 15, 1966.
Linda is survived by her husband of 51 years, Larry, and three children, son, Mark (Nicole) Riegel of Excelsior Springs, daughter, Amie (Chris) Donaldson of Leawood, and daughter, April (Scott) Craven of Excelsior Springs. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Megan and Garrett Riegel, Owen, Ian and Finn Donaldson, and Madeline, Emma and Trent Craven.
Linda grew up in Marinette, Wisconsin. She loved to return there, visit her sisters and the Bay. She met Larry in Marinette, where he was stationed during the Vietnam War. After they married and Larry left the service, they moved to Kansas City where they had their first child, Mark, in 1969. The family moved to Colorado for a short time before returning to the Kansas City area where they had their two daughters, Amie, in 1973, and April, in 1976. They lived in Kearney and Holt for a time before moving to Marshfield, Mo. During that time Linda and Larry owned and operated a shoe store on the square in Marshfield. Mark graduated high school in Marshfield and then the family moved to Excelsior Springs where Amie and April graduated high school.
Linda loved children. She was a loving daycare provider for many children over the years and was always known as “Miss Linda.” Linda was a devout Christian who had a passion for reading and studying the Bible. It was important to her to witness and share her faith with others. She had a wonderful singing voice and loved to sing in church. She was very creative – sewing, painting, making jewelry, and crafting of any sort. She was very generous, sharing the fruits of her labor.
Services will be Saturday, December 9, 2017 at Chandler Baptist Church, Highway 33, Liberty, Mo. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., with the funeral following.
Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
Riegel family, we are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Linda. She was such a caring person and so loved by all those who knew her. May God’s peace fill your aching hearts with love and your minds with special memories of Linda’s time on earth.
Love, Mark, Lisa, Faith, Nolan, & Gus O’Hara
Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for you and your family. Keep your faith, because faith and hope will help us cope.
Sincerely, Shirley and Gary Mallory
Such a true blessing to know Linda. She and Larry were my Sunday School teachers while they lived in Marshfield. You both showed God’s love in everything you did. I will always remember Linda’s kindness and love for the Lord. Love and prayers to you Larry and your family.
Nancy Dedmon