Services
Obituary
Barbara A. (Finn) Riedel, 73, of Belmond and formerly of Rowan, passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.
Funeral services for Barb Riedel will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Highway 69 South, west of Rowan, with Pastor Mark Eichler officiating.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Barb was born on September 10, 1951 in Defiance, Iowa to the parents of Clair and Irene (Coenen) Finn. She was baptized and later confirmed in the Catholic faith. Her family moved to her grandparent’s farm just outside of Belmond when Barb was a toddler. They later moved to Goodell. When Barb was eleven years old her family moved to Belmond. While in high school she shared her melodic voice in choir and the school musicals. It was while in high school Barb had developed a big crush on a particular young man- who just happened to become her husband! Barbara Finn and David Riedel were married on December 4, 1971. This union was blessed with four children: Tracy, Jackie, Emily, and Josh. Barb, David, and family lived on farms near Belmond and Rowan before settling into their house on the active neighborhood of Pesch Street- where kids were abundant!
It was shortly after her marriage to David, Barb joined the Immanuel Lutheran church and was confirmed as an adult into the Lutheran faith.
Barb worked many jobs throughout her life, but the job she cherished most was being a mother. Her best words of advice often shared with her children were, “Your life is what you make of it.”
Barb was a talented quilter, prolific crocheter, and skillful cross-stitcher. She was an accomplished cook and her kitchen was often the hub of her home. Barb was known for her delicious beef & homemade noodle soup, peanut brittle, homemade cinnamon rolls and pies. She prepared a huge spread each Thanksgiving- with her dressing being a hit with her kids. Her sirloin tip roast, along with her gravy, were amazing as well! Barb’s unusual “go-to-snack” was buttered soda crackers dipped into her coffee. She liked playing cribbage, Yahtzee, and Phase 10. Barb was an avid reader with a particular interest in suspense novels. She enjoyed watching “True Crime” shows as well the good old black & white westerns. Barb loved classical music, 60s & 70s rock, and musicals (with “Phantom of the Opera” being her favorite).
Those left to cherish Barb’s memories are her children: Tracy VanLenning, Jaclyn (Jason) Wessels, Emily (Donald) Bailey, and Joshua Riedel. Her grandchildren: Kaitlyn Dorr, Madison (Jacob) Teslik, Tristan Wessels, Jackson Bailey, Kristin Bailey, Addilyn Riedel, and Lillian Riedel. Her great grandchildren: Gage Dorr, Garrett Downing, and Graycen Dorr. Her siblings: Jean (Larry) Bonde, Colleen (Allen) Osborne, John (Lila) Finn, and Dan Finn. Barb is also survived by a host of extended family members and numerous friends. Barb was preceded in death by her husband David, her son-in-law Tim Dorr, her parents Irene & Clair Finn, her mother and father in law- Selma & Stan Riedel, her siblings Tom Finn and Kathy Kenyon, her step-mother Marj Finn, and several other beloved family members.