Mark Everett Riffel
Mark Everett Riffel
Mark Everett Riffel
June 14, 1948 – December 24, 2016
What Cheer, Iowa | Age 68
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Mark Everett Riffel, 68, of What Cheer died Saturday, December 24, 2016 at the Iowa City VA Medical Center. Mark was born June 14, 1948 in Oskaloosa, Iowa the son of William Everett Riffel and Neva Elizabeth Bowen.
Growing up Mark and his family traveled all around the country with different construction jobs. In 1967 Mark became a graduate of Tri-County South.
A year later, on March 20, 1968 he was drafted by the U.S. Army. As Mark always said, he received his education from the University of South Vietnam. During his deployment, SPC Riffel ran over a land mine while driving a half track which caused his hearing problems. In March of 1970 Mark returned home after being honorably discharged.
Mark began helping his parents with the day-to-day operations of their fur company. Riffels Fur Shed eventually became the largest fur buying company in the area. Over the years Mark also worked at Williamsburg Manufacturing, Gibson CPS, McCulley Culverts Inc., Molyneux Farms and as an over-the-road truck driver. He was a man of many talents and would help anyone.
On April 28, 1973, Mark was united in marriage to Pamela Singleton in Keota, Iowa. The couple settled in What Cheer where they raised their family.
Mark’s many hobbies included collecting model corvettes and had a goal of collecting 1million pennies. He also enjoyed playing solitaire and smoking Marlboro’s.
His pride and joy in life was his family. In fact he loved his wife so much he attended a Michael Jackson and New Kids on the Block concert with her. Mark coached his son’s baseball teams for several years and some of the best times of his life where spent hunting, fishing and processing meat with his sons and grandsons. Mark was also grateful for the loyalty and friendship of his cat, Chloe, his dog, Cassie and all the guys at the coffee shop.
Mark is survived by his wife of forty three years, Pam Riffel of What Cheer; two sons: Jason (& Tammy) Riffel of What Cheer and Justin (& Erin) Riffel of Ladora. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Chase Sellers, Kobe Riffel, Bleyke Mullen, Gage Riffel and Finn Riffel.
He is preceded in death by his parents; three uncles: Tom Riffel, Larry Riffel, Lee Willhour; and two aunts: Louise Perry and Margaret Ann Willhour.
Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.
Interment will be held privately in the Highland Cemetery at What Cheer.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the What Cheer Fire & Rescue.
