The funeral service celebrating the life of Richard “Bud” L. Riemer, of Perham, was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 26,  at the Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills with Pastor Kirk Douglas presiding.

Richard “Bud” Lee Riemer died on February 18, 2024 after a short illness with gentle care provided by the Perham Transitions staff and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Rich was born in rural Holland, in Pipestone County, Minn, on February 12, 1942 to Richard J. and Esther (Buchholz) Riemer.  He was baptized into the Christian faith at St. James Lutheran Church in Holland on February 13th, 1942.  Rich attended country school near Holland for grades 1-6.  His parents and siblings moved to a farm near Wadena in December 1951.  He was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Deer Creek on March 25, 1956 and graduated from Wadena High School in 1960. 

Rich enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school and served in the Signal Corp from July 1960 to June 1963.  He was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas for his first year and then served on a U.S. base in Pirmasens, Germany for the remainder of his enlistment.  Highlights of Army life included travel in Germany, Italy and France. 

On June 10, 1961, Rich was united in marriage to Cleone Verna Schoneman at Trinity Lutheran Church in Deer Creek. They were blessed with two daughters, Connie and Cindy. They farmed near Deer Creek for many years and their farming operations included raising cattle, hogs and corn as well as running a retail farm business in Deer Creek from 1972-1975. Rich loved farm life.  His favorite time of year next to Spring planting was Fall harvest when he reaped the rewards of all his hard work. Cleone passed away unexpectedly in 1995.  On April 4th, 1997, Rich married Pauline Blair of Wadena. Rich’s career changed direction in 1997 and the farm was sold. They moved to Hutchinson to develop a seed corn sales territory in southern Minnesota. Rich grew the business to over 30 dealers for Wensman Seed and many of these dealers are close friends to this day.  Rich often said his success at making a living whether in farming or sales came from the Lord. After retiring in 2001, Rich and Pauline moved to Perham. Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills has been their church home since 2008 where Rich served in various capacities.  Rich and Pauline enjoyed traveling and spent several winters in Texas and Arizona. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, riding bike, reading uplifting books and collecting Oliver/White toy tractors as well as pheasant prints. Rich enjoyed flowers in his yard especially in shades of blue and loved flying the American flag. His favorite Bible verses were Philippians 4:13 which reflected how he approached life and Psalm 73:23-24 which gave him great comfort over the last few months during his declining health.

Rich is survived by his wife Pauline, daughters Connie (Jeff) Stevens, Mankato, Minn., and Cindy (Tim) Johnson of Pipestone, Minn., grandsons Jordan (Olivia) Johnson, Jesse Johnson and Aaron Johnson, step children Robert (Marina) Blair, Mark (Noke) Blair, David (Pam) Blair, Rachel Blair (Jeff Christenson), sisters Jean (Don) Kassube of Anchorage, Alaska and Carol (Jim) Guse of  Hewitt, brother-in-law Joe Kovar of Deer Creek, 17 step grand-children, 9 step great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. 

Preceding Rich in death were his parents, first wife Cleone, sister Joyce, brother Randy and sister-in-law Deb.

Honorary Pallbearers were Joe Kovar, Jeff Kovar, Jason Kovar, Jim Kovar, Justin Garrels, Brandon Marcott, and Eric Riemer.

Pallbearers were Jordan Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Aaron Johnson, Rick Garrels, David Guse, Darren Guse, and Brian Guck.

Military honors will be provided by MNAGHG.

Memorials in Rich’s name may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, New York Mills – General Fund.

Arrangements with the Schuller Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Wadena. (www.SchullerFamilyFH.com)