William B. Riffel
Born: June 23rd, 1922
Died: January 7th, 2013
Obituary
William B. Riffel, 90, of Burlington, died at 7:37 AM Monday, January 7, 2013, at his home. Born June 23, 1922, in West Burlington, he was the son of William Joseph and Theresa Mary Beckman Riffel. On September 28, 1951, he married Doris Jean Heckenburg in West Burlington, Iowa. She died August 5, 2007. Bill had been employed at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant with A.E.C. for 32 years. He retired in 1975. He had also worked with the Burlington School System for eight years. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving during WWII in Europe, Africa, Normandy, and Germany from 1943 until 1946. He was at Normandy on D-Day. He had received a Bronze Star. He was a member of SS. Mary & Patrick Catholic Church, West Burlington. He was a member of the Eagles Burlington Aerie #150, Society of First Division Big Red One, VFW Post 10102, and the American Legion Post 52. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Bill also enjoyed gardening and had played semi-pro baseball. One of Bill's passions was Purple Martin houses that he and his neighbors enjoyed. Survivors include three sisters, Frances Berendsen of Santa Barbara, CA, Loretta Prior of Davenport, IA, and Helen Schmeiser of Burlington; and many loving nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Antoinette "Toni" and two brothers, Clarence and Joseph. Visitation will be from noon until 8:00 PM with the family to receive friends following a 5:00 PM Rosary Service until 8:00 PM Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at Thielen Funeral Home. Following the visitation, cremation will be entrusted to Thielen Crematory. The Memorial Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Riffel will be 10:00 AM Thursday, January 10, 2013, at SS. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church, West Burlington, with Rev. Father Bruce A. DeRammelaere as the Celebrant and full military honors rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Music will be provided by the Des Moines County Resurrection Choir. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held in SS. Mary & Patrick's Parish Center following the burial. Memorials have been established for Des Moines County Animal Shelter, Notre Dame Foundation, and SS. Mary & Patrick Catholic Church, West Burlington