Richard A. Riedmann was born on February 17, 1938, in Valley City, ND, to Joseph and Lucille (Liest) Riedmann. The oldest of five, Richard and his siblings enjoyed their childhood on the family farm near Dazey, ND.
Richard attended grades one through eight at Sibley Trail District 25 School. The school held a special meaning to Richard and his family since his grandparents donated the land where the school is located. Richard went on to graduate high school from St. Catherine’s in Valley City, ND. Following high school, he attended Valley City State, earning his Bachelors Degree in Education. Richard furthered his education obtaining his Masters Degree from Northern Montana State in Havre, MT.
Richard spent 36 years of life teaching, 32 years of those in Sidney, MT. Upon retirement from teaching, education was still his priority, and he served as Richland County Superintendent of Schools for 8 years.
Richard was united in marriage to Virginia Kent on June 27, 1964, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dazey, ND. They celebrated 53 years of marriage and were blessed with four children; Veronica, Bryan, Shawn, and Steve.
Richard was a member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, the National Teacher League and State Education Association. Richard was also an active member of the Sidney Senior Citizens, but more importantly, he was the chief cook and bottle washer. He served his fabulous, home-cooked meals twice a week to over 25 seniors. Slow roasted roast beef was his speciality! Richard’s lefsa was another one of his classics and enjoyed by many.
Fishing and hunting trips to Alaska and Canada with his sons were also highlights for Richard. A competitive game of whist or pinochle and word finds were also enjoyed by him. The love Richard shared with his dogs, especially Roxie, was treasured. It was a well-known fact that steaks were often prepared just for the dog’s dining pleasure!
Richard died Sunday morning, October 8, 2017, at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, ND.
Surviving him are: his wife, Virginia Riedmann, Bismarck, ND; his sons, Bryan (Teri) Riedmann, Sidney, MT and Steven Riedmann, Pendelton, OR; his daughters, Veronica (John) Kari, Bison, SD and Shawn (Wayne) Morlock, Bismarck, ND; his brother, James Riedmann, Salt Lake City, UT; his sister, Joanne Pithy, Valley City, ND; and 7 grandchildren, Cassandra (Kevin) Keller, Abbie Morlock, Rene’e (Tyler) Schilling, Jordan Riedmann, Jennifer (Tripp) Frazier, Julianna Kari, and Trevor Riedmann.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-Conrad Riedmann, and sister-Mary Ann Bowles.