In Memory of Donald J. Riessen

Donald J. Riessen, age 93, of Ida Grove, Iowa passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2019, at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 10, 2019, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Richard A. Salcido & Rev. Neil Wehmas will officiate. Committal will follow in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 9, 2019, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Donald Jurgen Riessen, son of John and Dora (Willer) Riessen, was born on June 3, 1925 in Schleswig, Iowa. Don grew up attending rural school until the 8th grade when he began working on the family farm. Don was baptized, confirmed and was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church.

On June 5, 1949, Don married Janet Fulton at the Silver Creek United Methodist Church. The couple was blessed with four children: Linda, Pam, David, and Lisa. Don and Janet farmed for over 40 years in Silver Creek township before moving to Ida Grove in 1990.  

Don’s passion was farming and raising livestock. He loved that David and now grandsons Cory and Lee continue the Riessen legacy on the same farm. Don had many hobbies, some of which included fishing, attending a local parade or threshing bee, collecting hats, and watching his favorite NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon. Don moved to the Morningside Care Center where he was cared for by a loving family and staff. His most enjoyable moments were the many bus rides to the zoo, circus, and local communities like Okoboji.   

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Linda (Larry) Paulsen, Pam (Gailen) Wessel of Ida Grove, IA, Lisa (Kirk) Siebrecht of Las Vegas, NV and daughter-in-law, Jolene Riessen of Ida Grove, IA; ten grandchildren, Amy Paulsen and special friend Jim Juhl, Craig (Lindsay) Paulsen, Diane (Ryan) Niedermyer, Brent (Holly) Paulsen, Gale (Kristen) Wessel, Brent Wessel and special friend Nicole Knop, Cory Riessen, Lee Riessen and special friend Lexi Schmidt, Cody Siebrecht and fiancé Sarah Sellinger, Brandan Siebrecht and special friend Shasta Percival; and nine great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.  

Welcoming Don to his heavenly home are his parents John and Dora Riessen, wife Janet, son David Riessen, siblings Allen Riessen and Betty Connelly, and many extended family members.