Selma Louise (Behnkendorf) Riedel
November 14, 1926 - May 26, 2018
ROWAN, IOWA - Selma Louise (Behnkendorf) Riedel, age 91, passed away Saturday evening May 26th, 2018 at the Belmond Rehabilitation Center surrounded by her loved ones.
Visitation will be 5:00 -7:00 PM on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane South, in Belmond. Celebration of her life will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, June 1, 2018 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church (near Rowan) with Pastor Mark Peterson officiating.
Selma, daughter of John and Emilie (Dietrich) Behnkendorf, was born in her parents' farm home on November 14, 1926. She, along with her brother Edward, completed their family. Selma went to country school for the first seven years, followed by parochial school for one year, and then finished school by graduating from LuVerne High School in 1944. On March 14, 1948 Selma married Stanley Riedel in the Lutheran Church in LuVerne. This began their life's adventures together and their journey continued for seventy EXCITING years! Throughout these 70 years, the couple blossomed into a family of four children, 11 grandkids, 15 great grandkids, and 3 great, great grandkids.
Selma proved to be resourceful and talented as she managed to keep food on the table. She tended a large garden and canned what she sowed. She baked delicious treats and established many favorite dishes with her family. Selma's sewing skills were admirable and all four kids were models for the many garments she constructed. She worked alongside Stan in his many job endeavors. Selma was in charge of all the food prep and orders for the concession stand at the racetrack. She also was the ticket lady selling tickets to the many truck races Stan took on the road as “Three Star Productions”. Selma was always the ‘hub' of the home. Even after her children left the nest, they all continued to come back to her warm and inviting home- which seemed like Grand Central Station with all the comings & goings! Selma loved to crochet, knit, and cross-stitch. Many of these cherished projects were gifted to her children and grandchildren. Selma also had a green thumb and enjoyed tending her flowerbeds. In the winter she enjoyed her many houseplants. Her grandchildren brought her much delight. They especially enjoyed their tea parties with her.
Selma always had time for conversation- along with a cup of tea or coffee. Her sense of humor was like no other! Selma had just the right amount of sass which- when paired with her wit- made for a fun conversation filled with laughter. Her beautiful blue eyes and dazzling smile -when combined with her other many facial expressions- were a picture to behold. She had a knack for guiding others indirectly- whether you wanted to hear it or not. Selma was amazingly strong and compassionate. She truly was a resilient lady. She spoke only positively about others and was accepting of everyone. Selma had an endless supply of patience- which was beneficial since it seemed to be tested often! But the trait we most admired in Selma was her strong faith. It is this fervent faith that carried her through many hardships. Because of her strong faith and her ability to stay the course throughout all of her life's trials and tribulations- the family affectionately nicknamed her “Saint Selma”.
Those left behind to cherish Selma's many beloved memories are her daughter Marcia Burt (Randy), her son Larry Riedel (Donna), and her daughter-in-law Barbara Riedel. Her grandkids: Tracy Dorr, Jaclyn Wessels (Jason), Emily Bailey (Donald), Joshua Riedel (Tiffani), Tonya Dockwell, Clinton Riedel, Amanda McConnell, Joslyn Stock (Adam), Derek Burt (Jill), Ellie Riedel, and Megan Riedel. Her great grandkids: Kaitlyn, Madison, Tristan, Jackson, Kristin, Addilyn, Joshua, Brianna, Emma, Morgan, Jayden, Ashton, Elias, Gabriel, and Alexis. Her great, great grandkids: Gage, Garrett, and Graycen.
Those rejoicing with “Saint Selma” at the Pearly Gates are her parents John & Emilie, her sibling Ed, her husband Stan, her two sons David & Steven, her daughter-in-law Lois Riedel, and her grandson-in-law Timothy Dorr.
www.ewingfh.com, Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane South, Belmond, Iowa 50421, 641-444-3248