John Jake Riehl

Nov. 12, 1937 - May 5, 2016

John Riehl was born November 12, 1937 to John and Elizabeth (Moldenhauer) Riehl on the family farm near Zelma, SK. When the family moved a few years later, he attended Fahrwell Country School then Allan School. He loved driving from an early age and his parents used to tell the story of how young he was when his Dad allowed him to drive the tractor in the field. So it was probably only natural that he would become a farmer. Following school days, he farmed, worked on the oil rigs, and with Engel Line Construction. He put many miles on his vehicles, all the while enjoying the company of many good buddies. Is this when he got the nicknames ‘Crank’ and ‘Big John’? In 1965, following his marriage to Ann Gray, formerly of Lashburn, SK, they moved into the family home in Allan and remained there until their move to Saskatoon in 2009. Two daughters were born to John and Ann: Belinda in 1969 and Karla in 1974. To some, John probably appeared gruff; however, his quiet gentleness but firmness with his girls showed otherwise. Although most of the time, he was a man of few words and didn’t verbally express it, he was so proud of his grandchildren and their achievements too. The grandkids spent countless hours riding Grandpa’s bike collection. After his heart attack in 1997, he quit smoking and took to always having scotch mints in his shirt pocket. The grandkids knew they could get a hug and a candy! Not to shy away from a challenge, John undertook and patiently completed many house and yard renovations, repaired and refinished several old pieces of furniture, reupholstered items, mechanically maintained machinery and vehicles, and was pretty handy with a welder too. He also enjoyed country music (especially Johnny Cash and Don Williams), many schmear card games and happy hours! Although John was frugal in many ways, he owned several new vehicles over the years – all FORD, of course. And his love of driving continued as family travels were taken to many parts of Canada and the U.S., oftentimes with a trailer in tow. It was in 2011 when John’s health began to fail and early in 2012 he was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, eventually necessitating a move to Stensrud Lodge in August 2013. John passed away at seeding time. Forever loving and missing him are his wife of 51 years, Ann; daughter Belinda (son-in-law Kevin Fitzsimmons); daughter Karla (son-in-law Kelly Schroeder); and grandchildren Riley (fiancée Erin Beresh), Casey and Keara Fitzsimmons, and Rhett, Tyson, Layne and Alysa Schroeder. And mourning the loss of their brother are Kasper (Richmond Hill, ON), Marie and Joe Pighin (North Delta, BC), Joe and Shirley (Surrey, BC), David (Saskatoon, SK), Liz and Maurice Polard (Victoria, BC) and Carol and Steve Leavitt (Saskatoon, SK); as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his father John (1981); mother Elizabeth (1994); brother Martin (1974); sister Ida (1999); and sisters-in-law Louella (1985) and Carrie (2001). Thank you to the Alzheimer’s Society for teaching us about dementia and gently guiding us as we traveled this difficult journey with John. Thank you to all the staff at Stensrud Lodge, particularly those on 2nd floor, west wing, and especially to nurses Rahel, Joy and Michelle for your kind care and compassion for John and for us. Thank you to Dr. W.H. McKee for John’s care over the years and recently to Dr. Z. Tymchak. Thank you to all who visited John and made phone calls to us.  Your kindness and friendship will long be remembered. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan, 1405 Faulkner Cresc., Saskatoon, SK  S7L 3R5 or to Stensrud Lodge recreation department, 2202 McEown Ave., Saskatoon, SK  S7J 3L6. Interment of ashes will be held at the Zelma Cemetery at 1:30 pm with a Celebration of John’s Life at the St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church, Allan, SK at 2:30 pm on Saturday, May 14, 2016. Arrangements in care of Lisa Ruf – Mourning Glory Funeral Services 306-978-5200