Simply CremationDonald Riedelsperger
Donald Riedelsperger, age 62, of Waddell, Arizona passed away on June 6th, 2020. Don was born on June 18th, 1957, to Ervin Riedelsperger and Mavis Vermeland in DeKalb, Illinois. Don was the youngest of three children and was “an awesome little brother.” He graduated Hinckley – Big Rock High School class of 1975, and then attended Waubonsee Community College to get his degree in electronics.
Don married Renee Jeffery and together they began their family. He loved taking his family camping, fishing, and welcoming their friends into his home as if they were his own. As his children grew up, he encouraged them to make their own decisions and put their families first. He was proud of the lives they had built for themselves and found joy in watching his family grow. Michael and Nick, Don’s sons-in-law, were like the sons he never had. He enjoyed passing on his knowledge and fatherly advice to them. He enjoyed flying drones with Michael and playing board games with Nick. Don also loved to play with his grandchildren and was truly the world’s proudest grandpa. He loved taking Maddie and Anthony to sit by the pond to eat doughnuts and chocolate milk together. He enjoyed taking Chase and Finn to play at the park. He always had many fun activities planned for them when they were together.
Don loved helping children whether his own or others. He started a dart club at church to give the kids fun things to do in his small community and was actively involved in the local youth group. Don also loved to help his wife with her school children. Her students looked forward to the days he would come in and teach them how to make stop motion movies. At the end of every school year, he bought them a pizza party to celebrate the start of summer. His kindness and love for children radiated from within and he was beloved by all. He was “everyone’s dad”.
Don had a quick-witted and snappy sense of humor. His jokes could instantly bring an entire room to tears of laughter. He and his daughter, Katie, would often get into quip wars, going back and forth making smart comments to each other until they were laughing too hard to continue. Don and his daughter Kim loved to ride roller coasters, travel, eat chocolate chip cookies, and spend Saturday mornings watching cartoons together. He introduced his daughter Kris to Star Wars and Indiana Jones, teaching her to explore the world and helping her to discover a sense of adventure they shared.
One of Don’s favorite things to do was to travel with his wife Renee. They spent a summer backpacking across the Western United States visiting sites like Yellowstone National Park and The Black Hills. Every weekend he loved to go driving or hiking near their home in the White Tank Mountains, looking at wildlife and the beautiful desert scenery. He enjoyed entertaining friends in his home or spending quiet evenings watching his favorite shows with Renee and his dog.
Don is survived by his wife Renee Riedelsperger, his daughters Kimberly Franco (Michael), Kris Riedelsperger, Katelyn Gregory (Nick), sister Jean Laskey, 4 grandchildren: Madelein Franco, Anthony Franco, Chase Ward, Finn Gregory, and his dog Annie. He is preceded in death by his parents Ervin and Mavis Riedelsperger, his brother Gerald Riedelsperger, and his dog Molli.
What a beautiful description of a wonderful man!! Well done, it really captured his life and all the things he enjoyed.
Don was a very happy person who enjoyed his time helping at Zito. I’m sorry I didn’t get to know him better. Don will always be with us because of the memories we treasure in our hearts of him. My deepest sympathy to all of the family.
Hugs.
Victoria
So sorry to hear this, we went to school together
Sympathy to his family. I went to school with Don (I was a couple of years behind). We were in band together and also lived close to each other. I remember he would drive me home after playing for the basketball games. Always a nice guy. Prayers for comfort to you.
Don (and Renee) always made me feel welcome, the many nights I hung out at their house to watch movies and play D&D. He was a gracious host, opening up his home, and sharing everything he had. That kindness will be missed, Don.
Thank you. Love you!
Thank you, Vicky.
Thank you, Debbie.
Don was an awesome person,and was the best brother-in-law anyone could ask for. His passing has left a void for many. He will be truly missed.
I am so sorry to learn of Don’s passing. I went to school with him and he was a great guy. It sounds like he had a wonderful and adventurous life with his wife and children. He made his grand children’s visits eventful too. The world will miss another man who departed to soon.
Don was the smartest men that we meet. We helped each other move houses. We went to see the stars and satellites in the White Tank Mountain library which was a great experience we will really miss him.
I started working with Don at CTS Knights back in 1977. Two weeks didn’t go by before Don invited me over for dinner on a Tuesday after work. It was nice to meet Renee, and Kim, and it was nice to eat something different than hamburger helper. On the next Tuesday at work Don said well are you coming over to dinner, and I said yes, and had another great time. The following Tuesday I mentioned I was going to do laundry, and Don said didn’t you know this was a permanent dinner offer? From there it went to every Tuesday and Thursday, and then every Saturday. Don and Renee ran me around visiting their families, always showing me a good time.
This went on for a year and a half until I moved away. Don and Renee, made my time very enjoyable while living in Sandwich, and this is a great example of how welcoming, and kind Don was. He was a very special person who will be missed by so many,including me. May God bless and keep you all during this difficult time.
Graham and I loved being in the company of Don. He had a great sense of humor and made interesting conversation. We wish we could have had many more wonderful visits with him and Renee. We will miss him dearly and always remember him fondly. Our hearts go out to you and your family.
It was always a pleasure to spend time with Don and Renee, such a kind, warm-hearted couple. It breaks my heart that he is gone so soon, Arthea and I were looking forward to many more evenings with you both.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family, Renee, we wish it were possible to be with you at this time. You and Don are like family to us, he shall be deeply missed.
Thank you, Peter. We always felt you all were family.
Dale, I have no words.
Thank you guys; we loved you, too!
Graham, thank you. We feel/felt the same.
I went to school with Don. He was always kind and friendly to everyone. Sending prayers of peace and comfort to your family.
Sad sad news Renee, but what a wonderful obituary! I know he fought till the end. May God’s blessings comfort you all during this time. Stay safe. Glad Terri is coming to be with you for a few days
Love you all. God bless Georgea and Peri
🙏❤️