In loving memory of  Cornelius Riegel, who passed away on April 01, 2023. He was the devoted husband of Kirsten, his wife of 60+ years and father of Elayne Peden . He will be missed...

 He is survived by his sister, Lotte Semmler of Munich, Germany with whom he enjoyed a happy early childhood in Yugoslavia. Surrounded by many cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and of course their loving parents, they were taught, by example, the value of hard work and generosity. Cornelius fondly recalled this early time in his life and the beauty of the town and vast sunflower fields surrounding it.

Wartime forced the family to flee to Germany where they eventually settled in Munich. In addition to his regular schooling, Cornelius joined an Apprentice Bakers program where he found his vocational calling. He won a national and several local awards for his baking abilities.

In 1956 he immigrated to the United States, settling into the Plainville area of Connecticut with his Uncle Fritz and family. While working at the Simsbury House in Simsbury, CT he met Kirsten. They married on June 16, 1962 and welcomed their daughter, Elayne the following year.

A very important and defining event in Cornelius' life was the day he and Kirsten were baptised as Jehovah's Witnesses on August 13, 1965. Cornelius immersed himself in God's Word often spending many hours in study. Over the 30+ years in Central Connecticut they were privileged to be part of the East New Britain, Newington and North New Britain Congregations. They derived much joy seeing young ones progress spiritually and formed many close friendships. 

Cornelius and Kirsten enjoyed several trips to Oregon to visit their 5 grandchildren. Following  his retirement in 1998 they made the move to Bend, OR to be closer to the growing family which now includes their 11 great-grandchildren. Fully involved in spiritual activities, they were an active part of the Eastview and Pilot Butte Congregations before moving to join the rest of the family in Redmond, OR.

Cornelius loved the outdoors often getting groups together to go hike Meriden Mtn. after field service on a Saturday afternoon. Elayne and her cousins looked forward to the annual camping trip to Rhode Island to play on the beach, fish and go clamming.  Later in life, he took up drawing and painting recording his recollections of his hometown and special places in Germany. 

An In-person memorial will be held at:

The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 851 Canal Blvd., Redmond, OR 97756

April 8, 2023  at 1:00pm (PST)

If you would like to attend via Zoom. Please text or email :

Elayne Peden (541)848-7241       elaynesmail@gmail.com

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/cornelius-riegel/obituary/

Copy