Ray Riedhammer passed away peacefully in his home on March 7, 2014.  He was born on March 1, 1928 in Langdon, N.D. to Albert and Mary Riedhammer.  After graduating high school, Ray joined the Army Air Force.  He served for several years and after receiving an honorable discharge moved to Milwaukee where he met his first wife, Susie.  In 1962, Ray and Susie relocated to Shullsburg where they partnered with Susie’s parents, Charlie and Dorothy Bucko, and purchased a restaurant they named “The Roost.”  Ray and Susie, and Charlie and Dorothy, operated the Roost for almost 30 years, creating a legacy of community service for the surrounding area.  The Roost became an iconic staple in the lives of those who lived nearby and many of their regular customers became known as family.  In 1990, Susie and Ray moved to Florida where Susie passed away in 1991.
While visiting Shullsburg in 1992 Ray met Jeanne Schwenn, a longtime family friend and member of the Russell family.  Ray and Jeanne were married in Boulder, Colo. on July 25, 1993 and eventually settled in Longmont, Colo.  Ray and Jeanne enjoyed 20 active and wonderful years together biking, ballooning, traveling and cruising.  They also spent several years volunteering for Ride the Rockies.  Ray also enjoyed walking, golf, gardening and cooking for special events.
In Ray’s younger days he was an Eagle Scout, avid sportsman and hunter.  Those who know Ray were blessed to be in the company of a man who was compassionate and always put other’s needs before his own.  He was a loving father, valuable member of his community and served as a role model for those who knew him.
Preceded in death by his brothers Carroll and Donald Riedhammer; his sister Eulalia Riedhammer; and his daughter Cathy Steffes. 
He is survived by his wife Jeanne Schwenn of Longmont, Colo.; sibling Sister Diana Hell, Hankinson, N.D.; daughter Susan Riedhammer (Qadeer), of La Jolla, Calif.; son Charles Riedhammer (Erin) of Abingdon, Va.; grandchildren Omar and Adam Hasan, Dallas, Texas; Austin Riedhammer of Seattle, Wash. and Rachel Riedhammer of Duluth, Minn.; stepchildren Gregory Schwenn (Michele) of Oscala, Fla. and Lyons, Colo.; Stephen Schwenn of Longmont, Colo.; Marilyn Marinelli (Donald) of Boulder, Colo.; Douglas Schwenn of Hermosa, S.D.; Jeffrey Schwenn (Karen) of Lyons, Colo.; step-grandchildren Justin and Elyse Marinelli of Boulder, Colo.; Derrick and Chad Schwenn of Hermosa, S.D.; and loving nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 am Thursday, March 13, 2014 at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. A reception will follow at the chapel. Entombment at Longmont Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Ray Riedhammer Fund to purchase a bench at Golden Ponds, sent in care of Ahlberg Funeral Chapel.  Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.