Helen Emily Riehl's Obituary
Helen Emily Riehl, 90, of Spring Lake, formerly of Muskegon died Sunday, November 24, 2019 at American House Living Center. She was born February 3, 1929, the daughter of Leland Rose and Ola O’Dessa Rose. She grew up in Knoxville, TN and met her husband, Bill Riehl, on a blind date in 1946. They married on December 19, 1947 in Knoxville, TN. Together they raised five children and lived in Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, Texas and Maryland. Helen was an active member of Lake Harbor United Methodist Church, including the Singing Sisters. She enjoyed aqua aerobics, skiing, traveling, reupholstering, wood working, solving cryptograms, and baking. Her smile, her hugs, and her laughter were loved by all who met her. As an overall enthusiastic participant in life, she was devoted to her family and had an excellent sense of humor. Known as the “Head Moose”, she was at the head of many family gatherings at the beach and the ski slopes where everyone enjoyed her famous bran muffins and “favorite cookies”.
She is lovingly remembered by her family: children, Linda Riehl of Spring Lake, Susan (Carl) Schilleman of Spring Lake, Karyn (Gary) Gillan of Grand Haven, Bernie (Sarah) Riehl of Montague and Lee (Lynne) Riehl of Muskegon, 15 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, as well as her siblings, Wanda “Faye” Hickle and Mayford (Audra) Rose, sisters-in-law, Lois Rose, Ruth Locke, Eleanor (Richard) Leary and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill Riehl, her daughter-in-law Anna Riehl and her brother Charles Rose.
There will be a visitation on Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St Norton Shores, MI 49444. A Memorial Service will be held at Lake Harbor United Methodist Church, 4861 S. Henry Street, Muskegon, MI 49441 on Friday, December 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Lake Harbor United Methodist Church or The Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation, 30400 Telegraph Road, Suite 150, Bingham Farms, MI 48025.
What’s your fondest memory of Helen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Helen?
Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Helen you’ll never forget.
How did Helen make you smile?