Severin R. “Buddy” Riesgraf, 97
Severin R. “Buddy” Riesgraf, age 97, of Belle Plaine, Minn., died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Thursday, February 22, 2018, at Kingsway Retirement Living in Belle Plaine.
Severin was born September 26, 1920, in Belle Plaine Township, Scott County, to John A. and Elizabeth (Huss) Riesgraf. He attended school at Union Hill, and Scott County District School and was raised in Belle Plaine Township. Severin served in the Army during WWII as a Corporal in Battery A 167th Anti-aircaft Gun Batallion. Upon returning from military service he bought the home place from his parents and continued farming.
He married Rosella E. Krautkremer on May 14, 1946 at St. Benedict, and the couple farmed outside of Union Hill until the mid-1980’s.
After moving to New Prague, Severin worked at Bloedow’s Hardware, Minnesota Valley Breeders, North Star Auction, Park Ballroom, KC Hall, Sponsels Orchard, Cedar Lake Farm, and Emma Krumbee’s.
He served on the boards of NPCL, Park Ballroom, NP Coop, Union Hill School and Church, NP Rural Fire Dept., and was the Supervisor of the Belle Plaine Township Board. Severin was a member of the American Legion Post 45, VFW Post 5145 and was a Third Degree KC member. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards and visiting.
Severin is survived by his children, Donald (Brenda) Riesgraf of Berryville, VA, Carol Jean (Roger) Bauer of Union Hill, Rosie (Wes) Blacketer of Osage City, KS, Charlene (Don) Skluzacek of New Prague, Sharon Riesgraf of Le Sueur; sisters-in-law, Gladys Krautkremer Busch, and Julia Schoenbauer Krautkremer; 15 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Rosella; parents; 4 brothers, Cletus, Erwin, Andrew, and Killian; 5 sisters, Agnes Wolf, Cordula Miller, Coleta Giossi, Sabina Blatz, and Sister M. Alda, SSF .
Visitation will take place from 4-8 p.m. Monday, February 26 and from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Bruzek Funeral Home, New Prague. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 27, at St. Wenceslaus Church, New Prague, with Father Kevin Clinton officiating. Burial will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted. Luncheon will follow at the KC Hall, New Prague.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.
