Obituary of Francis Christ Ridl

Francis Christopher Thomas Ridl lived a full life,

Side by side with Leota, his loving wife.

Born on the 16th of July in 1948,

His parents Albert & Betty thought he was great.

All of his life he pushed on strong,

With his family by his side all along.

Proudly serving his country in a foreign nation,

Procedures and precision became his specialization. 

A proud dad and papa filled with love and devotion,

He kept us all moving in a forward motion.

Fun-loving and playful he loved a good laugh,

We knew he would fight anything on our behalf.

While his fight with Alzheimer’s has taken its toll,

We all hold the memories deep down in our soul.

As Frank joins God in his new location,

We are thankful for his eternal salvation.

Francis, 74, of Loveland, Colorado, was born in Dickinson, North Dakota to Albert & Betty (Saetz) Ridl and entered his heavenly home on May 31, 2023 at McKee Medical Center in Loveland, CO after his long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.  He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Leota “Odie” of Loveland, CO, daughter Cherie (Matt) Mailander of Brandon, SD, son Corey (Jean) of Fort Morgan, CO, granddaughter Macy Mailander of Brandon, SD, grandsons Christopher Ridl and Zachary Ridl, both of Fort Morgan, CO, brothers Ray (Luella), Patrick, Ervin, and Tim (Glenora) of Dickinson, ND, Albert (Carolyn) of Aurora, CO, sisters Anne Marie (Jim) Gorman of Aurora, CO, Betty (Deacon Jerry) Volk of Bismark, ND, and Rita Gardner of Omaha, NE, sister-in-laws Lucille Rossbach of Washington Terrace, UT, Loretta Zenker of Loveland, CO, and Kay Zenker of Mandan, ND, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Jacqualine, brothers Cary and Evan, grandson Dylan Ridl, father- and mother-in-law Edmund and Helen Zenker, brothers-in-law Dave Gardner, Reverend Dave Rossbach, LaVerne Zenker, and Vernon Schatz, and sister-in-law LuElla Schatz.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on June 7, 2023 at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Loveland, CO.  A second memorial service will be held at Parkway Funeral Home in Bismarck, ND at 11 am on June 13, 2023 with a viewing one hour prior to service, followed by Christian burial with military honors will occur at the Veteran’s Cemetary in Mandan, ND at 1 pm.

His family offers special thanks to the VA Home-based Health Team and the many doctors, nurses, and caregivers who eased us through his transition.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Francie’s name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.