Wesley E. Riffey

Wesley E. Riffey

Wesley Riffey, age 88, of Custer, SD, formerly of O'Neill, passed away early Thursday morning, Jan. 10, 2013, at Custer Regional Care in Custer, SD.

Visitation was held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, at the United Methodist Church in O'Neill.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, at the United Methodist Church in O'Neill with Rev. Craig Collins officiating. Music was provided by pianist, Deb Frederick and soloist, Marvin Ziska.

Pallbearers were Terry Riffey, Milton Reiman, Jerry Brockman, Jerry Nickeson, Ben Bazelman and Warren Seger.

Honorary pallbearers were his family, friends, neighbors and fellow truckers.

Interment was in the O'Neill Prospect Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post #93 and V.F.W. Post #926.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill was in charge of arrangements.

Wesley Emmet Riffey was born on Aug. 17, 1924, in Ponca to Henry and Lottie (Kreger) Riffey.  After graduating from high school he served in the U.S. Army during WWII from Aug. 28, 1944, to June 23, 1946. He was a private first class in the military police in the 103rd Infantry Cactus Division.

He married Ruth Elaine Bellar on Dec. 28, 1944, in Sioux City, Iowa. Ruth passed away on Oct. 10, 2001.

Wesley was a farmer and truck driver as well as the owner and operator of Riffey Truck and Car Wash in O'Neill.

He was a member of the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post #93 and the V.F.W. Post #926.

Wesley is survived by two daughters, Joan Tomlinson and husband, Veldon of  Hot Springs, SD, and Linda Riffey and Roger Yusten of O'Neill; one son, Gary Riffey and wife, Cleo of Rocklin, CA; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one son, Andrew; five brothers and one sister.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.