Mar 14, 2023 1:59 PM

James William Riffel

Posted Mar 14, 2023 1:59 PM
James William Riffel
James William Riffel

James William Riffel, 72, of Burlington, died Thursday, March 9, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.

Born April 24, 1950, in Burlington, he was the son of Joseph P. and Eileen Hanrahan Riffel. On July 29, 2006, he married Teresa Carden in Burlington. 

Jim graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1968. He went to SCC, then the University of Iowa where he received his BA degree in Business. 

Jim worked at Winegard Company as a director of sales for over 40 years. 

Jim was a member of Divine Mercy Parish- SS. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church in West Burlington. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and hunting. He went to many Ducks Unlimited events. Jim was a big sports fan. His favorite teams were the Iowa Hawkeyes, Green Bay Packers, and the St. Louis Cardinals. Jim was very ornery and loved spending time with his friends and family.

Survivors include wife, Teresa Riffel of Burlington; daughter, Amy Riffel of Denver, Colo.; son, Easton Williams of Taylor Ridge, Ill.; grandpuppy, Waylon; his sister, Teresa Bence of West Burlington and her family, Bob (Melissa) Bence and their children; Corey and Codey Jacobs and Ben (Lisa) Bence and their children; Abbey and Garret Bence. His sister, Mary Jo (Tom) Fisher of Estelline, S.D. and their family, Jake (Maurin) Fisher and their children; Ava, Josie and TJ Fisher and Jill (Kirk) Hinrich and their children; Kenzie, Kyla, Kinley, and Kolton. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Bill Bence, and several cousins. 

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

Visitation will be from noon to 7 p.m. with the family to receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.

The Memorial Mass of the Resurrection for Jim Riffel will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 17, 2023, at Divine Mercy Parish-SS. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church, West Burlington with Very Rev. Father Marty Goetz as the Celebrant.  

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Catch-A-Dream. This foundation grants once-in-a-lifetime hunting and fishing experiences to children 18 and younger who have life-threatening illnesses.