Thomas Edward Riedel

Service Details

A Memorial Service will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 6:00 pm with Reverend Canon Sean Granger, KHS officiating. Military honors will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Private inurnment will take place in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Thomas Edward Riedel, age 89, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully in his sleep at home, early Monday, April 6, 2026, after celebrating a beautiful Easter Sunday with family.

Tom was born in Racine, WI on March 17, 1937 to the late Clarence and Helen (nee: Kralicek) Riedel. He was a 1955 graduate of St. Catherine’s High School. He went on to faithfully serve our country with the United States Army. Tom was introduced to a beautiful young woman by the name of Barbara Jane Hort on a Friday night….there was an immediate connection. The following Monday morning, Barbara went to work and Tom’s cousin came up to her and said “my cousin said he is going to marry you”. On October 13, 1962 in St. Edward Catholic Church, Tom was united in marriage with the love of his life, Barbara, celebrating nearly 64 years together.

With a strong work ethic, Tom was employed by Wisconsin Bell / AT&T for over 38 years. He enjoyed riding his motorcycles, snowmobling, and playing a good game of cribbage. He liked to stay current by reading newpapers and watching the news, and he always enjoyed a good crossword puzzle. Tom also had quite a collection of German beer steins and was a champion pool player in various pool legues over the years. He was a dedicated Green Bay Packers season ticket holer and was extremely social.

Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 64 years, Barbara; son, Jeffrey Riedel; daughter, Nicole Riedel; grandchildren, Justin (Ashley) Riedel and Danielle Riedel; great-granddaughters, Hanna & Maisie Riedel; brother-in-law, Terry (Linda) Hort; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brother, David (Maddie) Riedel and by Barbara’s parents, David and Marie Hort.

A Memorial Service will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 6:00 pm with Reverend Canon Sean Granger, KHS officiating. Military honors will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Private inurnment will take place in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.