Melvin "Mel" Riedel

Melvin “Mel” Riedel was born on June 9, 1943, in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota the son of William and Elsie (Thorpe) Riedel. He attended Joy country school for eight years and graduated from Parkers Prairie High School in 1961. Mel served his country in the United States Army from 1965-1967.

Upon his return to Minnesota he met JuAnn Karger. The couple was married on January 25, 1969 at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Leaf Valley. After their marriage the couple made Parkers Prairie their home where they raised their two sons.

At the age of 17 Mel started working for Dick at Gappa pumping gas. Upon his return from the military service he worked a short time in the Twin Cities. Coming home for a weekend he accepted a job offer from Dick Gappa . He was an auto mechanic and C-Store Manager for 55 years. Standard Oil was his life long passion and he enjoyed each day until retiring in 2020 due to his health. He will be remembered by his co-workers and friends for his loyalty, willingness and caring. Helping someone was always his goal. His family cherished him, the best husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be missed by all.

Mel’s deep faith was part of him all through his life. And he leaned on his faith each day.

Melvin died on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, JuAnn; sons: Greg (Amy), Charles (Shari); grandchildren: Kaylee, Brooke, Chandler (Sadie), Marshall, Tanner; great grandchild, Holden; many nieces, nephews, cousins and five exchange grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Harold, Chester, Edna, Ruth, Duane.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie. Visitation will continue on Saturday, November 30, 2024, 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church with a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM.