Arnold Joseph Riehle

Arnold "Arnie" J. Riehle 88, lifelong resident of Athens, passed away peacefully Monday, January 31, 2011 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital under palliative care. He was born February 13, 1922 in Athens, middle son of the late Peter and Elizabeth (Albrecht) Riehle. Arnie served his country from 1941 until 1945 in the United States Army in World War II during the time of the Holocaust. He was on the frontline with the troops that came to free the Jews under General Patton in the Battle of the Bulge. After returning home from service he had several jobs including a whitewashing business, working for the railroad in St. Paul, Minn., FRY Roofing Company in Minneapolis and many years working at Kraft Foods. After retirement he raised beef cattle, prepared maple syrup and logging from his own woods. Some of his hobbies included woodworking, deer hunting, cooking and playing baseball with the Halsey baseball players. Arnie was a devout Catholic and member at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. Survivors include his sister, Mrs. Coletta Mader, Kronenwetter; brother, Herbert (Irene) Riehle, Athens; his loving caretaker and niece, Mrs. Gloria Fenhaus, town of Wausau; many nieces, nephews and friends, especially Victor and Laura Woellner and Reinhart Wiese. He is also survived by his faithful dog and companion, "Dickie", who he cherished. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John, sisters, Esther, Rita and infant sister, Merceda, brother-in-law and best buddy, Frank Ley Sr. and brother-in-law, Jerome Mader. The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 5, 2011 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. The Very Rev. Charles Hiebl will preside. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Athens where full military honors will be presented by the American Legion Chapman-Belter Post No. 4, Athens. Friends may call Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. The pallbearers assisting will be Allan and Duane Mader, Steve, Scott, Stan and Stephen Riehle. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com