Herman Ridell House

Herman Ridell House was born on May 15, 1954 in Lexa, Arkansas, to the blessed union of Willie Dell Rice and Herman House. He was raised in Denver, Colorado, and educated within the Denver Public Schools: Wyatt Elementary, Smiley Jr. High, and East High School.

Whenever there were disputes, disagreements, bullying or fights in the Parkhill neighborhood where the Houses grew up, all Ernestine, Patricia, Philip and Cheryl had to do was mention who their brother was, or call on him — and that was the end of that!

In 1974 Herman moved to Seattle Washington where he met his dear friends Buzzy and Gus & Pat who embraced and mentored him. He also met the love of his life, Jacqueline “Jacci” Gresham who affectionately called him “House.” Ridell also accepted Christ as his Savior while living in Seattle. He worked for Bobs Lumber Yard, it was there that he developed his trade as a carpenter. Ridell was gifted with his hands and had the ability to bring design concepts to life. He was a quick study and dedicated to his work and his education. He went on to establish himself as a talented and sought-after self-employed carpenter. He also developed a love and talent for grilling and smoking meats. He was quite the cook and began accepting requests to prepare “the meats” for his friends and family.

After many successful years of living life in Seattle, “House” and “Jacci” relocated to Davenport, Iowa and while adjusting to retirement life, they found themselves enjoying an occasional squirt gun battle “inside the house!” They also enjoyed occasional trips into Chicago for a good time. Eventually, his passion for “smokin’ the meats” caught up with him in Davenport and once again he enjoyed grilling & smokin’ meats for his family and friends. You may have seen some of his good cookin’ posted on Facebook, because he wasn’t shy about that!

Ridell never met a stranger, people were drawn to his warm, welcoming, and friendly spirit. Those who knew him will recall his kindness, caring, and his infectious sense of humor. His neighbors in Davenport, when expressing their condolences, said “Herman was such a good neighbor and just a decent human being” — “We miss him already.” Herman loved his family and his friends!

Ridell cherished his memories, often reminiscing about his childhood, experiences, friends and family. He enjoyed music, cooking, cars, and playing chess.

He was a free spirit with a laid-back easy demeanor. He worked hard and played harder and he will always be remembered for his kindness, protective love, humor, laughter, service, and love of life.

~ He will be forever missed.

Herman “Ridell” quietly slept away to be with the Lord on Friday, December 5th at his home in Davenport, Iowa with Chachi (their poodle) beside him.

He was preceded in death by his Mother Willie Dell House, and his Wife, Jacci. He leaves cherished memories with his father Mr. Herman House; his siblings: Rev. Ernestine Jackson, Patricia (Dea. Fredrick, Sr.) Hudnall, Philip (Terri) House, and Cheryl House; his nieces & nephews: Steven, Sheldon, Branden (LaTasha), Rev. Brian Jackson, Amber (Nick) Dogan, Frederick Hudnall, II, Micah Hudnall, Tivoli (Brett) Fields, Tahonie (Delano) Watts-House; Philip (Shari) Watts-House, Jr., and Zuri House; a host of great nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.