William H. Riess

William H. Riess
September 15, 1914 - June 20, 2004
North English, IA
Memorial Service: 2:00 PM June 23, 2004 at Powell Funeral Home, North English
Visitation: 12:30 PM until service time at 2:00 PM June 23, 2004 at Powell Funeral Home
William Henry Riess was born on September 15, 1914, on a farm near North English, IA, the son of Henry and Letha Cheney Riess. He attended Boltz country school through the eighth grade and graduated from North English High School in 1932. Bill was a lifelong farmer. He lived in the same house 63 years until moving into North English in 1977. Bill was united in marriage to Frances Wilson Gilmore on January 16, 1937 in Galesburg, IL. He was a member of the North English Christian Church and had served as a member of the English Valleys School Board. He worked as an electrician for many years and wired many homes in the North English community. His greatest joy was his family and grandchildren. Bill died of cancer at his home on Sunday, June 20, 2004. Bill lived 89 years, 9 months and 5 days. He is survived by his wife Frances of North English; a son William H. Riess Jr. And wife Beverly of Clive, IA; two daughters: Sandra Hyde and husband Dexter of Cedar Falls, IA; Ramona Hall and husband John of North English, IA; five grandchildren: Julie Creeden and husband Paul of Cedar Falls, IA; Michelle Swanson and husband Chad of Cedar Falls, IA; Jennifer Lundberg and husband Tim of Pasadena, CA; Sarah Dickson and husband Lance of Mt. Vernon, IA; Chris Hall and wife Jamie of North English; 9 great grandchildren; a brother Arnold Riess and wife Alyce of Cedar Rapids, IA; and a brother-in-law Sam Levy of San Diego, CA. William was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Ivan, Elmer, Layton, and Lloyd ( an infant); and sisters Carmen Levy and Eltje Riess (an infant). Memorial Celebration Of Life Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at the Powell Funeral Home in North English, with the Rev. Mary McAtee officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:30 PM until service time at 2:00 PM on Wednesday. Family graveside services will be held in the North English Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for Hospice of Iowa County. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com under obituaries.