Donald "Buzz" Riehl

Donald "Buzz" Riehl, age 95, of Preston, died on Thursday, March 16, 2023 in his home surrounded by his family.

Services for Buzz will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston with Pastor Dr. Scott Olson officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the start of the service at the church.  Burial will be at the Methodist Cemetery in Preston.

Donald was born on August 22, 1927 to Frank and Elsie (Kleimenhagen) Riehl on the farmstead just outside of Preston, Minnesota.  He grew up on the farm and graduated from Preston High School in 1945.  On January 27, 1956, Buzz married the love of his life, Betty Bjortomt. They made a life for themselves in Preston, eventually buying the family farm where he grew up. This became a Century Farm under their loving and caring conservation.  Buzz made a living farming the land, milking cows, and raising everything from pigs, cows, geese, and sheep.  Together, Buzz and Betty loved to travel.  They spent over 30 years traveling to Yuma, Arizona for winter, and also vacationed in Canada frequently, too. Buzz and Betty were able to travel to the Holy Land and he often spoke of this trip.  Buzz additionally loved going to the National Finals Rodeo, as well as watching dirt track races in Decorah, Cresco, and Deer Creek.  For many years, Buzz had a small companion, a pet monkey, named Joe.  Joe even walked with Buzz in the Grand Meadow Parade, captivating the crowd.  In his spare time, Buzz enjoyed going fishing, acquiring many baseball caps for his collection, and attending auctions.  If something didn’t seem to be selling at the auction, he’d buy it!

Donald is survived by his loving wife Betty of Preston, MN, his sister Donna Ibach of Preston, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, brothers Roy (Ruby) Riehl, Merlin
(Hazel) Riehl, Lloyd Riehl, Frank Jr Riehl, an infant sister, 5 nieces, and 1 nephew. 

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