Services
Obituary
Thomas Riherd, 83, of Kanawha, passed away Thursday, August 16, 2012 at the Kanawha Community Home in Kanawha.
According to his wishes, Thomas was cremated. Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Crystal Lake Township Cemetery in Crystal Lake, Iowa. Ewing Funeral Home in Kanawha is assisting the family with arrangements.
Thomas A. Grant Riherd was born April 21, 1929 to Clyde and Edna (Fanning) Riherd in Storm Lake, Iowa. He moved at the age of 2 with his family to a farm east of Crystal Lake, where he resided until 1993.
Thomas was confirmed and a member of the Crystal Lake United Methodist Church. He graduated from Crystal Lake High School in 1946. He then started farming with his dad. On July 24, 1949 he married Deloris Noble in Garner, Iowa. To this union 4 children were born.
Thomas farmed for 45 years, living on the same farm for 62 years. He also worked for Winnebago Industries for 10 years. He and Deloris delivered Winnebago Motor Homes for 9 years, being able to travel and see the country. They had many experiences during that time and enjoyed it very much.
In 1993 Thomas retired and moved into Crystal Lake for 11 years, then moved to Kanawha in 2004. He enjoyed gardening in his retirement years, wherever he was. He enjoyed sharing the produce with family and friends.
Thomas loved his family, and when possible, being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always enjoyed reading the messages they sent by e-mail. He attended many family reunions, traveling distances to be there and enjoyed time with extended family.
Thomas is survived by his wife Deloris of 63 years; 3 children: Penny (Elmer) Davis of Bullhead City, Arizona, Doreen (Dave) Walk of Kanawha and Tim (Cheryl) Riherd of Forest City; daughter-in-law Beth (Bill) Kettelkamp of Marion; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law: Mae Riherd of Forest City and Corrine Ausborn of Britt; brother-in-law Cecil (Mary) Noble of Garner; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents Clyde and Edna Riherd; stepmother Alma Riherd; son Randy; grandsons Robert and John Thomas Riherd; 2 brothers Wendell and Wayne; sister Phyllis Wilber; 2 sisters-in-law: Deloris Riherd and Harriet Smith; and 3 brothers-in-law: Bill Noble, Gene Wilber and Larry Smith.
Anyone wishing to give a memorial in his name please send to the Crystal Lake United Methodist Church, 215 South Summit Ave, Crystal Lake, Iowa 50432; St. Vincent DePaul, 781 Marina Blvd., Bullhead City, Arizona 86442; or the Kanawha United Methodist Church, 402 North Main Street, Kanawha, Iowa 50447.