Patrick "Pat" Riedesel

Patrick James Riedesel, age 63, of Cathay, passed away peacefully at home in the arms of his loving wife Renee on December 30, 2010.

Pat was born March 25, 1947 in Harvey, ND to Marvin and Rita (Schaefer) Riedesel. He graduated from Cathay High School in 1965 and attended NDSU, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Animal Science.
Pat was a man of principle, passion and faith. Beginning in his childhood and continuing throughout his life, his Catholic faith provided the foundation of his being. He married Renee Boelke on September 15, 1973 in Sykeston, ND at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church. They celebrated 37 precious years together.
After finishing college Pat showed animals for a cattle rancher, did road work for Wells County, and worked for Miller Elevator in Cathay. In 1986, he had the opportunity to return to the farm which was first settled by his grandfather in 1905. Throughout the rest of his life farming was both his vocation and his avocation. His love of the land and his animals was nurtured by his father and his grandfather and over the years he earned the respect and admiration of both the community and his family as he maintained and developed the family farm. Pat was active in the community serving on the township board, volunteer fire department, school board and church council.

Pat was always thoughtful and full of ideas and stories. He was never hesitant to share his intense opinions, while always welcoming and respecting the opinions of others. He will be missed by all of those whose life he touched, but his spirit will stay alive as those left behind are guided and inspired by his love and example.

Pat will be remembered and deeply missed by his wife, Renee; son Ryan Riedesel and his fiancé Kara Priesmeyer of Little Canada, MN; daughter Erin (Mike) Erickson of Rochester, MN; and his beloved granddaughter, Annika Erickson; his mother, Rita Riedesel of Carrington, ND; two brothers, Marv (Mary) Riedesel of Prior Lake, MN and Jeff (Kristi) Riedesel of Carrington, ND; twin sister, Penny (Leon) Mindt of Beloit, WI; brother-in-law Rodney (Shirley) Boelke of Cathay, ND; and father-in-law Harold (Julia) Boelke of Carrington, ND. He was a special uncle to his 8 nieces and 2 nephews.

He was welcomed in heaven by his father, Marvin, and Renee's mother, Myra Boelke.

 

Funeral Service: St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, Sykeston, ND

Date & Time: Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at 10:30 AM

Burial: Carrington Cemetery, Carrington, ND

Posted Condolences:

 

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Name: Rusty and Kathy Hewitt

Date: Jan. 4th, 2011

Message: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and always remember the good times that you and Pat had with one another, your family and friends.

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Name: Mike, Nona, Samantha & Travis Flick

Date: Jan 4,2011

Message: Pat's smile will always be unforgettable. He brightened up a room with it, now he will brighten up the heavens even more. Our love and prayers are with you all.

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Name: Jon Rehm

Date: 1/3/2011

Message: I just received word of Pat's passing and wish to send my condolences to his family. Pat and I spent several years together in the Farm House fraternity, and in the Saddle and Sirloin club. He was always fun to be around yet was always responsible in his actions and true to his word. My prayers are with you all during this time

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Name: Lorna (Balvitsch) Mullenax

Date: January 3, 2011

Message: My deepest sympathy to the family.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  May God comfort you and give you peace and strength.

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Name: Russ Danielson

Date: Jan 2, 2011

Message: I have fond remembrances of Pat while he was a NDSU student working at the Beef Unit. Always respected his character, work ethic and great attitude. It is a comfort to your family realizing Pat maintained and lived a Christian life since a young man.

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Name: Chris, Kandee & Asher Johnson

Date: Jan.1st, 2011

Message: A wish to the family....an abundance of peace & joyful memories.  Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.