Obituary: Gregory Isadore Riederer

On April 1st, 2023, Gregory Isadore Riederer, age 69, a lifetime resident of Cato, took his last breath in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Greg was born in Manitowoc on March 5th, 1954 to Isadore and Marcella (Stelzer) Riederer. He graduated from Valders High School in 1973 and worked for Wallander Construction until he decided to farm. He continued farming with his wife and kids until 1996 when he decided to sell, due to health issues. Since the age of 19, he drove school bus and tour buses, which he really loved. He also helped out at B & C Repair, which he also really enjoyed and kept him busy. On April 15, 1978, he married Suzanne Wavrunek. The couple would have celebrated 45 years of marriage this month.

Greg was a member of St. Michael's Parish in Whitelaw; the Knights of Columbus; and served on the Cato Land Use Committee. He loved his kids and grandkids, and was always so happy when they stopped in. The door was always open to all of them. He baked amazing kolaches, loved to go to the casinos, and was always up for a game of sheepshead. If Susie & Greg or the family was ever going somewhere with anyone, Greg always had to be the driver!

Greg's son Carl saw that he was getting tired and frustrated with life, so he decided to plan a trip for his dad to Las Vegas. Thank you, Carl, for taking dad on his dream trip. He enjoyed the ride out west and got to go to two casinos and a show. We are grateful that Katrina and Isaac offered to come along to help with dad.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; their children: Carl (Nicole) Riederer, April (Brandon) Vogel, Katrina (Jeff) Pionek, Josephine Riederer (special friend, Steve Krupp), Buster "Greg" (Sarah) Riederer, and Katie Riederer (special friend, Tom Dean); his grandchildren: Garrett, Grant, and Grace Riederer; Cody (special friend, Alanna) and Dominic Vogel; Isaac and Lindsey Pionek; Deisel (special friend, Elijah), Toby (special friend, Emily), and Erika Hammel; Tyler, Carson, Blake, Lucy, and Jace Riederer; James Walt, and Presley Dean. He is further survived by many sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law: Elaine Riederer, Colleen Riederer, Leah Wavrunek, Ronnie (Doris) Wavrunek, Gerald (Gay) Wavrunek, Shirley (Jerry) Hein, Milton (Janice) Fonferek, Bernice (Dave) Hagenow, Judith (Michael) Schleis; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Isadore and Marcella Riederer; father-in-law & mother-in-law, George and Mabel Wavrunek; his brothers: Carl, Mark, and Charles Riederer; in-laws: Allen Wavrunek, Beverly Fonferek, and Kathy Wavrunek; and two nieces and a nephew: Diane Wavrunek, Maria Fonferek, and Jason Riederer.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 110 W. Menasha Ave in Whitelaw. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Richard Klingeisen, with burial to follow in the parish cemetery.

The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Monday evening, April 10th from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. A parish wake service will conclude the visitation at 7:00 o'clock, led by Deacon Randy Meidl. Visitation will continue at the church Tuesday morning after 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

Online condolences may be sent to the Riederer family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.

Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers is assisting the Riederer family with funeral arrangements.

The family would like to thank the many awesome family members and friends who helped Greg on his journey through life. Many came and made work fun - picking stones, baling hay, and cleaning barn for inspection; they also baby-sat when there was field work to be done. A big thank you to all the people who helped in 1995 when Greg lost his leg. To this day we don't know who the angel was that dropped food off for our family when we were not at home. A special thank you to all who helped in his final chapter, with things he could no longer do; and a Huge thank you to the hospital staff in Grand Junction, Colorado, as well as the staff of the clinic he was at prior to the hospital, for all of the wonderful care.

He loves you all, and we thank you so much! We were so blessed!!