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RIEHL: Gerald “Jerry” Thomas of Exeter

Posted By Haskett Funeral Home On March 8, 2022 @ 4:14 PM In Exeter,Obituary | 86 Comments

RIEHL: Gerald “Jerry” Thomas of Exeter

Passed at South Huron Hospital on December 5, 2021 at the age of 81. Beloved husband of Elda (Riley) Riehl for 61 years. Cherished father of Kim Riehl (Rob), Jackie Riehl (Chris), Michele (Alan) Hodgert, and Tonya (Harry) Busch. Adored grandpa of Alana Hodgert, Andrew (Britt) Hodgert, Amanda Hodgert, and Kai Busch and great grandpa to Axton and Hayden. Brother of Shirley Smith, and Andy (Remi) Riehl. Brother-in-law of Faye Riehl, Helen Riehl, Marilyn Goodfellow, Dorothy (Del) Bedard, Mike Bannon, Donna (Rob) Shaddick, Gordon Riley, Gerald (Debbie) Riley, Sandra (Colin) Alexander, and Lorna Durnin. Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased parents Albert and Catherine (McGuire) Riehl, infant brother Dougall Riehl, brothers Ben, Reg, and Don Riehl, and in-laws Norval Smith, Ron Goodfellow, Greg Riley, Len King, Doug Riley, and Doreen Bannon.

Jerry was born in Goderich and grew up just outside in a small town called Salford. He moved around from Labrador City, Huron Park, Usborne Township, and finally settled down in Exeter. Over the years Jerry enjoyed woodworking and fishing but most of all watching his grandkids grow and play sports.

A public celebration of life will be held at the Ironwood Golf Club, 70969 Morrison Line, Exeter, on Saturday, March 26 from 2-4 PM.  

A private family funeral service was held at Haskett Funeral Home, 370 William Street, Exeter on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 2 PM. Cremation with interment Hope Chapel Cemetery, Hullett Township will be held at a later date.

Donations to South Huron Hospital Foundation, Thames Road/Elimville Church, or Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated by the family.

Private link for invited guests www.haskettfh.com/register


Condolences for the family of “RIEHL: Gerald “Jerry” Thomas of Exeter”

Condolence from Marilyn Riley on December 5th, 2021 4:28 PM

My condolences to you and your family

Condolence from Julia Martene on December 5th, 2021 7:14 PM

Our sincerest condolences to the Riehl and Hodgert families. He was very proud of his entire family. A “dash” well spent. His legacy will endure.
Julia and Earl Martene

Condolence from Dave Keys on December 5th, 2021 7:41 PM

So sorry to hear of Jerry passing . Have a lot of memories and conversations at ringette arenas and ball fields while our daughter and his grandauhter played together . Our condolences goes out to the entire family .

Dave ,Shelly and Rachelle Keys

Condolence from Patti Hunt on December 5th, 2021 8:02 PM

Michelle & Al,
Jamie and I are very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.
He’s only a whisper away…..🙏

Condolence from Shirley Kerslake on December 5th, 2021 8:15 PM

My sympathy to Jerry’s family.

Condolence from Dianne Skinner on December 5th, 2021 8:15 PM

To Elda and family
So sorry for the loss of Gerald you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hang on to the many memories you all had together

Condolence from Pauline Wildgen Davis on December 5th, 2021 8:28 PM

I was sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. My condolences to Elda and family.

Condolence from Tina Grell on December 5th, 2021 9:57 PM

Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Guenter and Tina Grell

Condolence from Shari McNeill and John McNeill on December 5th, 2021 10:52 PM

We were sad to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was a kind, gentle, fun-loving man who lived to enjoy his family most of all. He will be greatly missed. Sending hugs to you all. May your memories bring a smile through your tears.

Condolence from Cathy & Phil Blackler on December 6th, 2021 1:57 AM

We are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with you .
He was a kind gentle man who loved you all.

Condolence from Meagan and Ken on December 6th, 2021 7:17 AM

We are sending our love and thoughts to the Hodgert family, Mrs. Riehl and all “Grandpa Riehl’s” family and friends. We know how much Alana adored her grandpa and hope that you can hang on to the cherished memories during this heartbreaking time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Condolence from Margaret Brintnell on December 6th, 2021 7:19 AM

Elda & All Your Family, Nick & Chris
So Sad. My thoughts & sympathy is with every one of you at this time. I have known Jerry for a lot of yrs. Great man in every respect. May you share your many memories now & in days to come. Bless all of you.
Margaret Brintnell

Condolence from Carolyn and Gerald Johns on December 6th, 2021 8:02 AM

Lots of fond memories of Gerry being Alana’s #1 fan in the stands. Also memories of Gerry’s generous sharing of his woodworking talents. Many wooden camp chair kits made for the Kirkton Scouts to assemble and Many gifts of wooden cut outs of Easter Eggs and animals for the Sunday School or Ringette kids to paint. We are still using those camp chairs today.
Gerald once asked Gerry, how he had the energy for so many projects and his wise words shared was “The hardest part is to JUST get out of the chair”.

Condolence from Murray Morrison on December 6th, 2021 8:05 AM

Michele & Al.
Our sincere sympathy on the passing of your father

Murray & Peggy

Condolence from Murray and Kathy Hunking on December 6th, 2021 8:34 AM

Elda and Family, We are so sorry for Your loss ! Jerry was One Of The Best !!You are in Our thoughts and Prayers at this most difficult time . Murray and Kathy Hunking .

Condolence from Don and Edith Lewis & family on December 6th, 2021 9:05 AM

Elda and family

Our condolences to you all.
Jerry will be missed.

Condolence from Mildred Northcott on December 6th, 2021 9:06 AM

Elda and family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family on your loss.
Cherish the memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Condolence from Jim Dietrich on December 6th, 2021 9:56 AM

Michele Alan & Family,
Our deepest sympathy, so sorry for your loss.
Jim & Linda Dietrich

Condolence from John & Liz Stephens on December 6th, 2021 9:59 AM

Our deepest condolences to the whole family .Thinking back to our first meeting in the early 70`s in Huron Park , hockey & babysitting our kids ,we followed you into Exeter . Jerry was a gentle soul ,always had a great smile . May your many memories help you all through this difficult time John & Liz

Condolence from Kathy Hunter on December 6th, 2021 10:07 AM

Dear Elda and Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences at this very sad time. Happy memories will get you through. Hold them close to you heart.

Condolence from Tom Dickins on December 6th, 2021 10:09 AM

Deepest Sympathy.

I remember him well. Your Dad /Grandpa was a great guy!

Condolence from Lynda Denham on December 6th, 2021 10:17 AM

Deepest Sympathies

Condolence from Wanda Reynolds on December 6th, 2021 10:23 AM

Elda and Family

Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. I always think of you every time I drive by where your house use to be with the corn stand at the road.

Wanda and Bob Reynolds

Condolence from Eric & Pat Chovancek on December 6th, 2021 10:57 AM

Thinking of you Elda and rembering Gerry . We had some fun times playing Crokinole at the Hall, and I got to know Gerry as a true gentle man. Our sincere sympathy to you and your family.

Condolence from Shirley Southcott on December 6th, 2021 11:23 AM

Elda and family
So sorry for the loss of Gerald you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hang on to the many memories you had with him.

Condolence from Doc & Val Miller on December 6th, 2021 11:42 AM

Our deepest sympathy to you Elda and all the family. Jerry was a true ‘Family’ man as our conversations centered around all his beloved ones. Thanks for being a friend!!

Condolence from Melonie Miller on December 6th, 2021 12:41 PM

Our sincerest condolences to the Riehl.
Gerry was very proud of his family. He was a very involved grandpa .. he will be missed
Barry & Melonie

Condolence from Rene Tinney on December 6th, 2021 12:56 PM

So sad. Thinking of you all. (We are fortunate to have many of Jerry’s creations in our home)

Love Rene & Harlen Tinney

Condolence from Theresa Parsons on December 6th, 2021 1:16 PM

Dear Elda and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jerrys’ passing. Wishing the Riehl family our deepest sympathy at this sad time….remembering our great neighbours!
Bob, Theresa Parsons and family

Condolence from Don Appleby on December 6th, 2021 1:27 PM

To Elda and all of your family members.
We had a lot of fun times back in the late 60’s and early 70’s.
Both @ Home and on the Ice.
My deepest Sympathy on your loss.

Spud Appleby

Condolence from Ken and Jannette Stoll on December 6th, 2021 2:13 PM

Elda and family My deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers

Condolence from Pam Benoit on December 6th, 2021 2:39 PM

Elda, Michele, Alan and families

We are sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He will be remembered for his proud cheering for his Grandkids and his good nature. Deepest Sympathy to all.
Pam, Bernie and family

Condolence from Joe & Marla Wilson on December 6th, 2021 3:30 PM

Michele & Alan
Our condolences to you and your family.

Joe & Marla Wilson

Condolence from Gerald Willis on December 6th, 2021 4:38 PM

To Elda and family
We are so sad to hear of Jerry’s passing. May your memories of a great and proud man sustain you.

Gerald & Elsie Willis

Condolence from Ron&Vurra Martin on December 6th, 2021 4:56 PM

Elsa our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Fond memories playing Crokinole

Condolence from john holland on December 6th, 2021 5:05 PM

Elda sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing Great sense of humor your card friend, John!

Condolence from Jan and Paul Jeffery on December 6th, 2021 5:11 PM

Elda and family, so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Condolence from Donna & Dan Overholt on December 6th, 2021 5:14 PM

Dear Elda and family,

We send our deepest condolences on the passing of Jerry. We fondly remember Jerry cutting out wood pieces for our kids to paint and do crafts with. And having you for neighbours for many years was a true blessing – we enjoyed seeing you both outside as you tended your gardens – and visiting over a cup of coffee – and having Tonya cross the yard to babysit for us. All such fond memories.
We send our love and thoughts to your entire family – Jerry will be watching over you all.

Hugs from Donna and Dan Overholt and the family

Condolence from Frank and Joanne Verbeke on December 6th, 2021 5:58 PM

We would like to offer our sincere condolences to Elda and the entire Riehl family. It was always such a pleasure to see Jerry and Elda at the arena and they were always our best and most proud supporters, during our ringette years. May you cherish all of the memories you have.

Condolence from Lloyd and Carol Moore on December 6th, 2021 6:37 PM

Our deepest sympathy .Elda to you and your family. We will miss a good neighbour.

Condolence from Larry & Joanne Glavin on December 6th, 2021 9:07 PM

Elda & Family
So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He has enjoyed many great years seeing his girls & their families grow up. He was proud of all their accomplishments.
Thoughts & prayers are with you all, but you know he will still be watching over & smiling down on you all.
Treasure the memories.

Condolence from Bob & Sharon Pavkeje and family on December 6th, 2021 9:10 PM

Sending hugs to your family at this sad time. We have great memories of a very proud Grandpa at lots of sporting events!

Condolence from Darlene Lightfoot on December 6th, 2021 10:12 PM

Michelle Alan and family, my sympathies are with you at this time.
Darlene

Condolence from Jim and Laura MacDonaldmacdonald on December 6th, 2021 10:25 PM

We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Riehl families for the loss of Jerry. May the Lord comfort your hearts in the days ahead. Our love and prayers

Condolence from Jeff O’Brien on December 6th, 2021 11:34 PM

Michelle and family. I send my deepest condolences on the loss of your father.

Condolence from Jeff Borland on December 7th, 2021 7:20 AM

To Jerry’s Family
Please accept our condolence,Jerry was a great neighbour.

The Borland’s

Condolence from Dennis & Joan Duncan on December 7th, 2021 8:07 AM

Elda & family

Sorry to read of Jerry’s passing. Our deepest sympathies to you all. He will leave a big hole in your family and community. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Condolence from Brian and Janet Wedlake on December 7th, 2021 8:12 AM

Our Sincere condolences Michele and Alan to you and your family.
Please know are thought are with you at this very difficult time.

Condolence from Donna Perry on December 7th, 2021 8:56 AM

Michelle, Alan and the whole family
So sorry for your loss. I know you will miss him but will have lots of wonderful memories to help you through this sad time.
With Deepest Sympathy. Donna Perry

Condolence from Anne & Ted Kernick on December 7th, 2021 9:19 AM

Elda & family-

We send our sincere sympathy to you in the loss of Gerry. Always enjoyed chatting with him.
Thinking of you.

Condolence from Dick Lord on December 7th, 2021 10:06 AM

Jerry was a real mentor to me in a major job direction change for myself in our days at DI. I really looked up and respected Jerry. You all enjoy your memories of a life well lived of him. Through our chats it really came to the forefront how much his family meant to him and took up so much of his heart.

Condolence from Jerry & Linda Traquair on December 7th, 2021 10:28 AM

Sincere condolences to the entire family on Jerry’s passing. ‘Our Jerry’ enjoyed working with him many, many years ago at D.I. We hope your memories are a comfort and wish you peace and healing in the days ahead.

Condolence from Patrick & Amy Brennan on December 7th, 2021 10:49 AM

Michele Alan & Family,
Our deepest sympathy, so sorry for your loss. My Condolences to you and all the family.

Condolence from Clare & Brenda (Parsons) Martene & Family on December 7th, 2021 11:55 AM

Dear Elda and Family . . .

Sincere condolences as you say good-bye & mourn the loss of an important man in your lives . . . treasure the wonderful memories & happy moments Jerry has blessed each of you with, as these moments will bring a warm smile to your heart. Jerry was a dedicated, kind, sincere, proud, hard-working, family man who will be missed dearly by all his loved ones. Both Clare & I had the pleasure of working with Jerry at Dashwood Industries many years ago. Also, whenever we stopped to purchase corn from the corn stand in front of the family home – he would always be happy to greet us – we loved exchanging stories. Jerry was especially proud of his family – he loved to share stories of his daughter’s & grandchildren’s achievements & accomplishments.

We will forever remember Jerry for his loving & friendly manner, his great smile, and the friendly chit-chats we shared. We especially admired him for the LOVE he had for his family, friends & neighbours. His legacy will live on in all of you . . .

We are grieving along side you & keeping all of you in our thoughts & prayers. 💞🙏💞

Clare & Brenda (Parsons) & Family

Condolence from Tom a and Susan Murch on December 7th, 2021 12:37 PM

Elda and family We are so sorry to hear of Jerrys passing. It is always a tough time but is worse at this time of the year. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Remember the good times. He will be missed. Tom and Susan Murch

Condolence from JOHN HURST on December 7th, 2021 12:37 PM

My heartfelt sympathy and condolence to all the families. Treasure your memories. A life well lived, he will be remembered.

Condolence from Ben and Jan Gardiner on December 7th, 2021 12:52 PM

We are so sorry for your loss Elda and family. You and Jerry have done everything together for many years. We have many happy memories of time spent with you both and also your girls when they babysat for us. Thinking of you all at this time.

Condolence from Jim Workman (Workie) on December 7th, 2021 1:28 PM

I would like to take a moment to express my sincerest condolences to a fantastic family, a tribute to you Elda and Jerry. He was such a supporter of his daughters and granddaughters and seldom missed a field hockey game, even when he was ill.

Condolence from Heather Grady on December 7th, 2021 1:31 PM

Uncle Jerry was a one of a kind guy . that twinkle in his eye , he must of been a handful to raise !! He sure was taught right though because he found beautiful wife and together they raised 4 loving caring wonderful
children . def improvements to this world ! we will miss Jerry terribly and hope
he gives Dad (Ben) big hugs for
us all
Jerry was an angel
on earth

love you all – from PEI Heather and Faye and families

Condolence from Tammy Bibby on December 7th, 2021 3:37 PM

So very for your loss! I worked with Jerry for many years at Dashwood Industries! So many fond memories…he was a sweetheart!!!! Condolences to all of his family!

Condolence from Jen and Bruce Skinner on December 7th, 2021 7:16 PM

Elda and the Hodgert Family

Sorry to hear about Jerry’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are sent to all of you..
Sincerest condolences Bruce, Jen, Bree, Trevor, Dan and Sarah Skinner

Condolence from Bill & Audrey Rowe on December 7th, 2021 7:58 PM

Elda & family, Sincere sympathy to each of you at this sad time. Each of you will have special memories to keep close to your heart. Sincerely Bill & Audrey

Condolence from Jim Chapman on December 8th, 2021 11:01 AM

Elda and Families
My sincere sympathy to all.
I enjoyed our spectator times together at FH games and his friendly and warm greetings every time
we would meet

Condolence from JeRry and Alice MacLeann on December 8th, 2021 12:45 PM

Elda and Family, so sorry for your loss.
Pleases accept our sympathy

Condolence from Stephanie and Darren Kints on December 8th, 2021 12:50 PM

Our deepest sympathies to all of you. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Hold cherished memories in your heart .

Sincerely
Your neighbours. Kints family
Frank. Dennis , Dale Sherri and family
Denise Darren and family and
Darren Stephanie and family

Condolence from Bill and Linda Soldan on December 8th, 2021 1:21 PM

Elda and family…our sincere condolences. Jerry was a great guy…always smiling and so helpfuĺ with the wood working projects he did for me. Please know you are jn our thoughts and prayers.

Condolence from Marie & Garry Kechnie on December 8th, 2021 2:23 PM

Riehl Family – we are so sorry to read of your loss but know that Jerry is now at Peace. Know you will have many wonderful memories of your time together.

Condolence from David Nesbit on December 8th, 2021 7:31 PM

Elda, Kim, Robert and families
We are sorry to read of Jerry’s passing. He will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy to all.

Dave & Gladys

Condolence from Doug Hocking and Kate Monk on December 9th, 2021 9:03 AM

Our sincere condolences at this sad time. We know Jerry will not be forgotten.
Take care,
Doug & Kate

Condolence from Pat Hunking on December 9th, 2021 9:44 AM

Elda and family, So very sorry to hear about your loss…..my thoughts are with you at this time

Condolence from Rod Morrison and Debbie Glavin on December 9th, 2021 10:14 AM

Dear Elda and Family. So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy. He was a great man. I have fond memories of working with Jerry and going on the odd fishing trip and to the horse races.

Rod Morrison and Debbie Glavin

Condolence from John & Arlene Berendsen on December 9th, 2021 10:46 AM

Our deepest condolences to your family in this season of great loss of your Beloved “Strong tower” – Dear Jerry…you so touched our lives and others in an such an inspiring way – faith, strength, tenacity, humour – you sure did “fight the good fight”. That smile. You have left an amazing legacy and we are so grateful to have known you! Sending our love and prayers to your family now and in the days ahead…
Sincerely, John & Arlene Berendsen

Condolence from Nancy Hodgert on December 9th, 2021 12:02 PM

Elda and family
Jerry was a very kind man and a very involved grandfather
Cherish your memories

Condolence from Deb Gehan on December 9th, 2021 12:51 PM

Dear Elda and family
So sorry to hear about your loss of Jerry.
Please accept our deepest condolences.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely
Deb and Bob Gehan

Condolence from George and Sue Wilson on December 9th, 2021 1:32 PM

Elda, Kim, Jackie, Michele and Alan, Tonya and families, heartfelt condolences on your loss of Jerry, a devoted husband, father and Grandfather. He sure loved his family. He was always at their sports events. We had many fun times at the ringette games. He was a master in woodworking. Cherish your precious memories. Hugs and prayers, George and Sue Wilson, Cathie Wuerth , Judi Wilson and Tracy DeGroot

Condolence from Kelly Livingstone on December 9th, 2021 2:53 PM

Elda, Michelle and the Riehl Family
We are so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. We will always remember him as an enthusiastic and proud supporter of his grandchildren at sporting events. May your loving memories help you through this difficult time.
Kelly, Jeff, Kennedy and Kassidy

Condolence from Kimberley Payne on December 9th, 2021 3:12 PM

Dear Edna and family. My memories are mostly from the days of Becker’s Milk and selling all of Jerry’s small woodworking projects. I still have so many of them and cherish them and think of Jerry when I put them up. This Christmas will be especially meaningful for me. My sincerest condolences to you all.
Kimberley

Condolence from Ron & Karen Simpson on December 9th, 2021 4:46 PM

To Elda , Michelle and family , so sorry to hear of your Fathers passing, sending condolences and sympathy to all of you , he was a good man and Father to you all

Condolence from Carol Coleman on December 9th, 2021 5:55 PM

Dearest Elda and families,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. We go back, way back to your girls & us Ross kids in Huron Park!
Gerry and Dad being so involved with getting the minor hockey going and the dances at the annexe and rec hall. Kim & I in figure skating, and so on. Then I would work at Dashwood Industries for 15 years where Gerry and I crossed paths so often! As mentioned in many of the other condolences; Gerry was a solid man, proud of his family and an inspiration to many. He will be missed. Sorry for your great loss. May he rest in peace.

Condolence from Powe families on December 9th, 2021 9:48 PM

Our deepest sympathies to Elda and family and Michele, Alan and family. We were so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting at ringette games. Elaine and Bruce Brandon, Ron and Marie Brittain, and Alan Powe and families.

Condolence from Ken & Linda Genttner on December 10th, 2021 3:25 PM

We are so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I worked with him for a number of years at DI.
Our Sincere condolences

Ken & Linda Genttner

Condolence from Brenda Hern on December 17th, 2021 8:11 AM

Elda, Kim, Michele, Jackie, Tonya and all the family – we were very sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was so fortunate to enjoy watching his family grow and his memory will be cherished. Thinking of you all.
Jean Hodgert, Ivan and Brenda Hern

Condolence from Brenda Horn on December 17th, 2021 1:10 PM

Michele, Alan and Family,
We are thinking of all of you and hope that your memories will bring you comfort in the days ahead. Our condolences to your family.
Jeff, Brenda and Family

Condolence from Diane (Eisenschink) Maguire on January 12th, 2022 6:54 AM

Michelle and family, so sorry for your loss. It’s always difficult losing a father, especially such a loving one as yours. My thoughts are with you at this time.

Condolence from Patti Hunt on March 8th, 2022 6:40 PM

Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your father/grandfather.
Jamie & Patti Hunt

Condolence from B & D Osgood on March 10th, 2022 6:29 PM

Michelle and Al,
Our deepest condolences and prayers for you and your families.
Bob, Doris and Stephen Osgood

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