Rheo R. Riopelle

Age 88, passed into eternal life on Friday, March 4, 2005, at home. Rheo was born November 30, 1916, in Stanley, Wisconsin, the oldest son of the late Dr. Wilfred Anna (Schroeder) Riopelle. In September of 1944, he married Mary Maguire and then answered his country’s call to service in the Pacific Theater in World War II. Rheo proudly served in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Broadwater. Upon returning home, he attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison, School of Engineering, and began his career as a Professional Engineer, specializing in HVAC industrial engineering. His designs are still in use in buildings all over the United States, Canada, South America and Europe. Even after retirement, Rheo continued to do consulting work from his home office, finally truly retiring only when he reached his mid-eighties. He was an avid golfer, photographer, historian, storyteller and humorist, computer enthusiast and lover of big band and jazz music. But the real love of his life, however, was his wife, Mary, and his family: eleven children, twenty-two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild who knew and loved Rheo as Dad and “Boppa.”

Survivors include his children and their spouses, Jack (Ginny) Riopelle of Green Bay, Thomas (Kathleen) Riopelle of Richmond, Virginia, Lee Anne (James) Scovell of Green Bay, Patrick (Jane Radue) Riopelle of Madison, James Riopelle of Green Bay, Joanna Riopelle of Chicago, Illinois, Karen (Patrick) DuChateau of Green Bay, Mary Siebers and friend Steve Purdy of Appleton, Tracey (Patrick) O’Leary of Menasha, DeDe Riopelle and Bruce Greenhill of Boulder Junction, Maureen Riopelle and Robin Balizewski of Milford Ohio, and his “little buddy” Newt, the cat.

Grandchildren: Abbie and Jed Riopelle, Sara (Jeremy) Muraski, Jennifer Scovell, Anna Scovell and fiancé Nathan Hemming, Kathrin Scovell, Armand Riopelle and fiancée Nicole Savoy, Natalie Riopelle, Emmett (Julie) DuChateau, Marine Corps. 2nd Lieutenant Nolan DuChateau, Ashlie DuChateau, Tyson Siebers, Tony Siebers, Tracey Siebers and fiancé, Richie Saari, Tiffany Seibers, Tyler Siebers, Christopher (Jennifer) Gehrt, Bryan Gehrt, Adam Gehrt, Delaney O’Leary (his little precious), and Dylan Greenhill; and great-granddaughter Brooke Muraski. Rheo is also survived by two brothers: Arthur Riopelle and Armand (Alma) Riopelle, one sister-in-law: Lois Riopelle, and one sister: Beatrice “Boots” (Dave) Youker, in addition to many nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.

Rheo was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary, one brother Wilfred “Bo” Riopelle, one sister Elaine Paul, two sisters-in-law: Isabelle (Jeff) Riopelle and Mary (MJ) Riopelle, one brother-in-law: Herb Paul, one grandson: Andrew Scovell.

The funeral liturgy for Rheo will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at ST. BERNARD PARISH, 1617 W. Pine Street in Appleton with Fr. John Bergstadt officiating. The members of the Johnston – Blessman Post #38 of the Americal Legion will provide military honors immediately following the liturgy. Interment will be in St. Mary Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM and again Wednesday at the church from 10:00 AM until the hour of the services. There will be a parish prayer and scripture service at 7:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations kindly be made to the Mary Maguire Foundation, 4555 Lake Forest Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45242. 513.588.8088 or www.marymaguirefoundation.org

Rheo had many angels who looked after him in his twilight years – thank you to all who came to cook, to shovel, to cut grass, to clean, to catch Newt, to listen and to love.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231