Obituary of Richard Ernest Riegel

Richard E Riegel, Jr., of McMinnville, OR returned to His Heavenly Father on January 8th, 2023.

He is survived by his former wife, Susan Riegel; and their two sons, Jon Riegel and Kristopher Riegel; his brother Charles Riegel Sr., his sister Pamela Nelson, and his grandchildren Henry Riegel, Rabecca Riegel, Zarina Riegel, and Theodore Riegel. Richard was preceded in death by his parents Richard E Riegel, Sr and Alice (Milks) Riegel; and by his sister Suzanne Husband.

He was born in Kalamazoo, MI; graduated Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk, CT; attended University of Cincinnati, OH until he chose to serve his country by enlisting in the Army during Vietnam and became a Green Beret Medic. He was married in Loveland, OH; worked as a horse trainer and equine hydrotherapist in Latonia, KY and Muttontown, NY; and became a horse transport operator and commercial driver; after driving big rigs as an employee in NYC, he became an owner operator and worked Port Elizabeth, NJ and then all around central Florida. He became a heavy equipment operator, and then became the horse transport driver for the Lipizzaner Stallions that toured the US. After retiring from that, he would drive a weekly run from McMinnville, OR into northern Canada for years.

His love of animals and driving were well known, as was his interest in everything aviation. His service dog for many years, Milley, would accompany him on the road and everywhere he went. His current service dog, Lacey, is among the many that will miss him.

The Oakgrove Community Church will be holding a Celebration of Life for Richard on Sunday, February 5th, 2023 at 1pm at the McMinnville Grand Ballroom. https://www.thegrovemac.com/the-ballroom.html

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to their general fund so they can be used for their Thrive program. https://www.thegrovemac.com/online-giving.html