Thomas Riffel Obituary
Thomas Joseph "Riff" Riffel, 68, of Burlington, died Friday, January 3, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.
Born March 1, 1956, in Burlington, he was the son of Clarence William and Norma Adelaide Blakey Riffel. On December 30, 1989, he married Judy Kay Witte at St. Mary's Catholic Church in West Burlington.
He was a 1974 graduate of Notre Dame High School.
Tom worked as an electrician and conductor for BNSF for 360 months and was awarded the 30 Years Safety Award.
He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish and was a bread runner for St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. Thomas was also a member of the Eagles Aeries 150 and a Flint Hills 9-hole league. He enjoyed the outdoors and could be found walking, hiking, kayaking, biking, playing tennis or golf. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, especially football and basketball. Tom would also complete the daily cross word puzzle and would solve the Wheel of Fortune Puzzles before everyone. He always looked forward to his weekly Nana and Papa days with his grandsons.
Survivors include his wife, Judy Riffel; two children, Blake Riffel and Mallory (Anthony) Kienast; three grandsons, Christian, Noah and Thomas Kienast; one brother, Paul Riffel; and one sister, Beth Brocchini.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The Rosary will be recited at 4:00 PM Friday, January 10, 2025 at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street. Following the rosary, there will be a 4:30 PM Vigil Service, with time of sharing. The family will receive friends following the Vigil Service until 7:00 PM.
The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Tom will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Divine Mercy Parish-SS. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church, West Burlington with Fr. Jake Greiner as the Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Dodgeville. A time of food and fellowship will be held at the Burlington Eagle's #150 following the burial.
Memorials have been established for St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, PAWS Animal Shelter and for his grandsons' education.