James “Jim” W. Riedel, age 89, gently passed away into the loving arms of Jesus on August 21, 2026. He was born in Kimberly, WI., the fifth child of Joseph and Christine (VonVeldt) Riedel. His mother passed away when he was only 11 years old, leaving his father alone to raise a large family that included a toddler.

Jim outlived all of his siblings, John, David, Jerry, Robert, Joe, Bill, Sharon, and Helen. He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Vanden Heuvel, and celebrated their wedding at VanAbel’s. The first year of marriage brought them the gift of twin girls and later welcomed a son and another daughter. Jim and Nancy were married 55 years until her death in 2013.

Besides working at the Kimberly paper mill, he owned a liquor store on Jean Street for 3 years, and he did many odd jobs like construction and laying cement to support the family. Jim worked 41 years at Kimberly-Clark and retired as Plant Assistant Superintendent at Mid-Tech. His job required traveling to other states and Canada inspecting pulp and paper machines.

Jim donated 17 gallons of blood to Red Cross and gave to other charities. He was a Volunteer Fireman at Combined Locks 11 years. He played baseball for Don DeValk's team until suffering a severe knee injury but loved the game and good times at the ballpark. Jim loved fishing at his family cabins on Shawano Lake and Rolling Stone Lake and also took the family on many vacation adventures. He was happy to teach any of his grandkids how to catch a fish, and he especially loved deer hunting with his grandsons. He was an expert Sheepshead player and listened to classic country music.

Jim truly enjoyed family buffets and regular Tuesday breakfasts with his niece, Maggie and her adopted sister, Susie. He made many friends at Chico's Restaurant in Combined Locks including the staff, Bob, Pat, Lois, MaryAnn/Dan, Judy and others. Jim always saw people there who either lived in the area or had worked in the Kimberly mill. “Do I know you?” was often asked.

Jim is survived by his children: Randy (Michele) Riedel, Cathy Van Hammond, Chris Van Driel, and Polly (Mark) Sonnleitner; 11 grandchildren: Ben, Rick, Ryan, Murph, Casey, Amber, Bethany, Brandon, Brady, Luke and Eric; 13 great-grandchildren (one his namesake) and another one expected. He is also survived by half-sister, Pat Heysyck; sisters-in-law Kaye Riedel, Pat Riedel, Sherri Riedel, Helen Vanden Heuvel, Jeanne Vanden Heuvel, Debbie Hupfauf, Mary Ann (Ronnie) Popp, brother-in-law James Vanden Heuvel as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. During the last 13 years, Jim shared his life with Bonnie Lingnofski, who was truly his loving companion.

He was preceded in death by wife Nancy, infant son Joey; infant granddaughter Erin; son-in-law Tony Van Hammond; his siblings John, David, Jerry, Robert, Joe (Marge), Bill (Vivian), Helen (Butch) Ulrich, Sharon Lefeber; brothers-in-law: Danny Vanden Heuvel, Hank Hupfauf, and Ronnie Popp; and sisters-in-law: Sandy Vanden Heuvel, Ginny Kilbey and Jean VandenHeuvel.

Jim was an organ donor and per his wishes, there will be no funeral. His family will celebrate his life privately.

No more pain, No more tears. We love you, Dad.