Obituaries

Rev. Warren C. “Rocky” Riedel, 90

March 09, 2018

The Rev. Warren C. “Rocky” Riedel, 90, died Friday, March 9, 2018 at his Pequea Twp. home. He was born in Lancaster to the late Clinton and Mildred (Storm) Riedel and was married to Marian M. (Brown) Riedel for almost 70 years.

His parents had to receive his diploma from Upper Leacock High School in 1945 because he joined the Navy at age 17 to serve as a hospital corpsman during WWII. Following the War, he made magic tricks for his father, “Riedel The Magician”. He also worked for WGAL Channel 8 doing the evening “Pioneer Playhouse” and the Saturday morning “Covered Wagon Theater” from 1957-1958.

Over the years he worked for RCA, General Cigar, drove a bakery truck and was a Fuller Brush man. He had a band, “Rocky Riedel and his Raiders” and later joined the “101 Ranch Boys”. He also was a stunt rider for the “Cisco Kid” television show.

Called to the ministry, he graduated from Franklin & Marshall College (1959), completed his masters at Lancaster Theological Seminary (1963) and took night courses at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Rev. Riedel served churches until 1992 and then became a supply pastor until his death. He was also a tour guide at the Amish Farm and House until this past February and taught at a Bible College in Sunbury for 23 years for Teen Challenge.

When younger, Rev. Riedel love to travel having visited most of the U.S. and many other countries. He enjoyed reading about History and visiting historical places with his family. He like to plant flowers, read, paint, watch old TV shows and movies and attend Scottish Games.

Surviving are his wife, Marian M. (Brown) Riedel, and their son Mark W. Riedel, husband of Sandra (Bucher) of Deer Lake, daughter Cynthia G., wife of Paul Blatt of Myerstown; 3 grandchildren: Christopher Riedel, Kristina, wife of Joshua Jacoby and Danielle Riedel; 6 great grandchildren and his Bichon dog Princess. Rev. Riedel was preceded in death by his granddaughter Lyndsey Ann Blatt on November 25, 2016.

Rev. Riedel’s family will greet friends from 10 to 11 AM, followed by a celebration of his life at 11 AM with Rev. Harry Kaufhold officiating, on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Marietta United Church of Christ, 5 S. Waterford Ave., Marietta, PA 17547. Interment with Military Honors will take place 11 AM Monday, March 19th at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made the Salvation Army, 131 S. Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17603.

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Condolences to the Family

March 14, 2018

Rocky will grately be missed. I got to know him at the local magic club. As a fellow Gospel Magician, he was always so supportive of me and my ministry. He was gentle and had a great sense of humor. I’m so sorry I will not be able to attend his services. I have two funerals to celebrate here on Saturday morning. His soul and his family and friends will be in my prayers.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. Leo Goodman
Historic St. Mary’s Church

March 12, 2018

I never met Rev. Riedel, but when I saw his obituary in the paper, I immediately knew “Rocky” Riedel. Sixty years ago, I’d get up every Saturday morning to watch Covered Wagon Theater with Rocky Riedel, one of the highlights of my 9-year-old existence. Rocky brought such happiness to us kids with that show, and he became one of my childhood heroes. It was wonderful to read that he had such a long and productive life. Thank you, Rocky, for all the great memories…
Chet Williamson

March 12, 2018

Rev. Rocky was a good friend of my father-in-law, and preached beautifully at his funeral. He came by to visit soon after and talked to us about his friend, giving my husband a clan Montgomery wool tie, which he still wears. We hope his family is sustained by their memories of this wonderful man. Please remember that his love for you, like the God he served so well, is eternal and cannot die.
Bonnie & Carl Montgomery
Bonnie & Carl Montgomery, Jr.

March 11, 2018

I’m sorry to hear of the passing of this wonderful man. He was such a vital part of our church (United Church of Christ, Fountain Springs) and our lives. He was a good friend to my father, Mark Trautman. Like many churches, we are a dwindling membership, but we still remember the many fun activities that Rev. Riedel led. That church of my childhood is involved in many of my life-long memories. Rest in peace, dear man, and go with God. With love and prayers, Sherry Trautman

March 11, 2018

Thank you for your service to God and to our country.
Mary in Christiana

March 11, 2018

I was 14 years old when this wonderful force of nature came to serve at our little church in Christiana. I learned so much from him and he baptised me. Fifty years later, I had the pleasure of going to his Marietta church and thanking him for all he taught me. I told him how strong my faith is and that he was the one that laid the foundaiton for me. He was pleased and smiling he said, “Well, you never know if it’s going to take or not!” – so typical of his wonderful way of getting his point across. I will never forget him and I thank God for putting him in my life at such a young, vulnerable age. Rest with the angels now, precious child – I am sure you heard our Lord say “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Lynn from Christiana

March 10, 2018

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of my good friend Rocky. I first met Rocky back in 2001 when I moved to lancaster and for the next 17 years I always had the pleasure of his company. Not only I enjoyed his company but I always enjoyed our conversations. I will miss him at our magic meetings because he was truly our mentor. Lou Abbatiello

Visitation: Saturday, March 17, 2018; 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; Marietta United Church of Christ; 5 S. Waterford Ave.; Marietta, PA
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Services: Saturday, March 17, 2018; 11:00 AM; Marietta United Church of Christ; 5 S. Waterford Ave.; Marietta, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >