Charles Riley Obituary

Charles Riley

November 7, 1940 - July 29, 2025

Charles Howard Riley, 84, of Mesquite, Nevada, was called home to the Lord on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, with his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Rita, by his side.

Born on November 7, 1940, in Red Wing, Minnesota, Charles was the son of John Howard and Bernice Winifred Riley (Collett). He grew up in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, where he was an all-around athlete. As a freshman, he led his football team to an undefeated season as quarterback. He graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1958 at the age of 17 and soon enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served as a medic during the Cold War, stationed in Laredo, Texas.

After four years of service, Charles returned to Wisconsin, where he met and married Rita Trudell on June 22, 1963, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Hudson. Together, they began a life full of adventure, love, and family. They moved to Seattle, Washington, where Charles worked at Public Health Hospital and where their five children were born.

Charles eventually took the opportunity to become a police officer with the Edmonds Police Department, later rising to the rank of sergeant. He also returned to school at Seattle University during this time. After retiring from the police force due to health reasons, the family moved back to Wisconsin, where Charles pursued further education at UW-Stout and earned his Education Specialist degree.

Charles believed deeply in the power of education. He often spoke of how learning could shape lives, and he dedicated much of his career to teaching and mentoring others. Settling in Durand, Wisconsin, Charles began teaching criminal justice at District One Technical College in Eau Claire, where he trained and mentored countless students, many of whom went on to serve their communities with bravery. He was always proud of his students' accomplishments and viewed his role as one of guiding them to make a difference in the world. Charles also served as Director of Public Safety and Security at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC), where he continued to inspire students and colleagues alike. His commitment to education left a lasting legacy in the lives of many people.

Charles retired in 1995, and he and Rita moved to their snowbird home in Mesquite, Nevada. However, he was later asked to fill in as the Director of Public Safety at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He went back to work for a bit before finally retiring one last time in 1998. After this final retirement, his health began to decline, but he continued to enjoy life to the fullest-traveling, spending time with his family, and cherishing every moment.

Charles had a fondness for gambling and found great joy in watching sports on TV, especially cheering on his beloved Packers and Chiefs. He also loved watching movies, especially anything about crime, action, or the classics. He enjoyed listening to WRDN on Saturday mornings and attending WWF events, which brought him great entertainment. Charles was a man of class and always dressed well, taking pride in his appearance and presenting himself with dignity. Above all, he adored his family and was always there to listen to his children and grandchildren with intensity and love. He loved to joke around, bring laughter into any room, and his humor, storytelling, and life lessons will be deeply missed. A devout Catholic, he lived his life with compassion, integrity, and a strong faith that sustained him through every challenge.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: Jane Riley and Mary Lou (Amos) Ames, and two sons: John Patrick Riley and Daniel Howard Riley.

He is survived by his wife: Rita; three children: Charles (Sue) of Eau Claire, WI, Greg of Bagley, WI, and Theresa "TJ" (Jeremy) Klysen of Eden Prairie, MN; one sister, Jo Ann (Roger) Foley of Williamsburg, IA; 10 grandchildren: Kayla, Samantha, Connor, Ben, Jack, Luke, Brooke, Emily, Anna, and Sophia; nieces and nephews; as well as many friends.

A visitation will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Durand, WI at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 8, 2025, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Durand American Legion Post #181. Following the service, a luncheon will be served in the church basement for family and friends to gather in fellowship.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.