Eugene C Riegel

Gene was a gifted carpenter, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and his Savior, Jesus Christ. He lived for his family and his faith. Gene is lovingly remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, a faithful son and brother, and a loyal friend.

From a young age, Gene loved working on old cars, woodworking projects, and contracting jobs alongside his father and his grandfather, “Pappy” Nagle. Though raised with humble means, Gene managed to buy his first car at just 12 years old. By age 19, he had built his home in Pine Grove on property gifted to him by his beloved Pappy Nagle. Gene could build or repair almost anything, but his true passion was carpentry. Over the years, he became a Master Carpenter, mentoring and teaching others the craft he loved.

After high school, Gene married Sylvia, started his family and lived in Pine Grove until 1970, when he moved to California. In 1973, following his divorce, Gene became a born-again Christian and began attending Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, where his devoted relationship with Christ took root and continued throughout the rest of his life. It was there that Gene met and married his second wife, Cynthia, and together they grew their family. He worked as a carpentry foreman and enjoyed church activities, camping, and family life until Cynthia’s untimely passing in 1982.

Gene found love again in 1984 when he married Camellia “Mia” his wife of 41 years. Together, they raised their blended family and lived in Fountain Valley, California for 36 years until they moved to Idaho in 2020.

During those years, Gene worked as a designer/installer of customs staircases for 22 years before retiring.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Frances Riegel; his brother, Lee Riegel; and his second wife, Cynthia. He is survived by his wife, Mia; his children: daughters Janet, Becky, Melanie, Michele, and Gretchen; and sons Adam and David. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren: James, Thomas, Danielle, Christopher, Paige, Max, Garret, Daniel, Brittany, Devon, Londyn, Toryn, Syera, Tyler, Olivia, Marcelo, Shawn, Christopher, Alexander, Emma, Tyler, Justin, Ethan, and Zach; his sister, Carol; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, 12:00 noon in the Waverley Chapel at Fairhaven Memorial Park, Santa Ana, California. Graveside service and lunch reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gene’s name to Keystone Hospice, 21 N. Fisher Park Way, Eagle, ID 83616