Francis Joseph Riester

Francis “Frank” Joseph Riester, 73, of Edgewood, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 18, 1946, at home on the farm, rural Ute, Iowa, the oldest son of Alfred and Mary (Steinbach) Riester. Raised and educated in Dunlap, he graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in 1964 as co-valedictorian.

Following high school, Frank joined the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War for 4 years and was honorably discharged. Frank then attended and graduated from the University of Nebraska in agricultural science in 1971.

On May 25, 1970, Frank was united in marriage to Connie Foreman in Lincoln, Nebraska. Two sons, Eric and David, were born to this union. After their marriage, Frank began working as a plant manager at Hubbard Milling Co. in Cedar Rapids. He then went on to work for Cargill at Greeley as plant superintendent. Frank enjoyed doing anything ag related and was currently working as a crop adjuster for RCIS.

Frank was a kind and gentle soul, a man of simple pleasures. He’d do anything for anyone. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather. An active member of his community for 25 years, Frank was loved by all who knew him. Frank served as a member of the Edgewood American Legion. He enjoyed his morning coffee with friends at Casey’s.

Francis is survived by his wife, Connie; sons, Eric (Stacy) and David; siblings, Ann (Denny), Andy (Janet), Maggie (Tom), Sue (Rick), Leo (Marianne), and Mike (Paula); grandchildren, Noah, Jacob, Mikayla, Abby, and Elsie; and many nieces and nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents.

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