Service Details

Richard expressed that he did not want a funeral. The family will, however, hold a memorial service in Kalispell Mt on his birthday, June 11, 2016. This memorial page will be updated as we have a time and place.

The Story

Rich passed away at home on February 7, 2016 after a two year long battle with cancer.
He was born to Arthur and Jane Riedinger in Boise, Id on June 11, 1945. He was the 5th of 6 children. He was preceeded in death by both of his parents.
Rich leaves behind his wife and partner -the love of his life- Ardith Riedinger (of Benton City, Wa.). They spent 48 years together and were married on March 26, 1976. He is survived by two sons, John Riedinger (Benton City, Wa) and Dion Riedinger (Ashland City, Tn). Daughter Jody Orth and grandson Tarren Hilborn (both of Benton City, Wa). Grandsons Patrick Middleton and Christopher Middleton (both of Winchester, Va), granddaughter Shavonna Middleton (Richmond, Va). Sisters Pat Swanberg, JoAnn Oftedahl, Bonnie Riedinger, brother Mike Riedinger (all of Kalispell, Mt) and brother Art Riedinger (Prosser, Wa).
Rich was a truck driver until he retired in 2007 due to illness. He was a lifelong mechanic and a car enthusiast. He built and raced several stock cars in his younger days, always putting number 55 on his cars. Rich did lots of mechanic work for friends and family. He was enlisted in the Army National Guard for a brief time in the 1960s.
Rich had a talented creative mind and kept his family on their toes with some of his crazy antics.
He always came up with ideas for things to build, how to fix things, and ways to have fun. He could play any musical instrument that caught his attention. He was known for playing the guitar, accordion, a dobro that he made himself, and piano. He loved country music and dancing. He has written songs that he played for his wife and family. Rich could draw like you would not believe, and he wrote short funny stories and songs for his kids when they were young. He was a perfectionist at everything he did. He was also a favorite uncle of all of his nieces and nephews because he was always full of ways to have fun. Rich was a lot of things to a lot of people, but more than anything he was a family man. He did whatever it took to provide for his family, and always made sure to let his kids know that he was very proud of them, and how much he loved them. He had a very profound love for his wife as well.
Rich will be missed greatly.

My mind still talks to you
My heart still looks for you
My soul knows that you are finally at peace
-unknown