Paul Riha

Paul Edward Riha, 92, of Vining, passed away Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Sunny Hill Care Center in Tama surrounded by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, December 3, 2021 at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama with Father Michael McAndrew and Deacon Stan Upah officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in rural Vining with Military Honors. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 5-7 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama with a Vigil Service at 7 PM.

Paul was born on May 5, 1929, in Vining, Iowa, the son of John Vencil and Adele L. (Krueger) Riha.

He graduated as the class Valedictorian from Belle Plaine High School in 1947.

Paul served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951-1953.

On May 10, 1955, he was united in marriage to Frances “Luree” Carney at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Millersburg, Iowa. Paul grew up having an interest in the family-owned business, attended various Ford class trainings and trade school when he eventually took ownership of the Ford dealership and operated Riha Auto Sales in Vining as a third generation.

Paul was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama where he was active in the Catholic Foresters and Catholic Workman. He was also a member of the Belle Plaine American Legion. Paul was an automobile enthusiast, with a passionate enjoyment for cars, especially Ford models. Paul loved to collect and read automotive magazines, attend car shows, and share his knowledge of this lifelong interest, in many conversations. He could tell you the year of any Ford model driving by him or while out traveling. Paul also enjoyed playing cards and traveling with the entire family on family vacations. He enjoyed going to dances every weekend with Luree in surrounding communities, and their favorite was Armar Ballroom where they initially met. Paul and Luree passed this love of dancing onto their children and grandchildren.

Survivors include three daughters, Angie (Kerry) Dellamuth of Belle Plaine, Paula (Larry) Rohach of Toledo, and Janine (Brent) Coselman of Cedar Rapids; seven grandchildren, Michelle (Adam) Gillitzer, Marcie (James) Even, Marc (Halie) Dellamuth, Alexa Rohach, Jadelyn Rohach, Rihanna Coselman, and Peyton Coselman; six great-grandchildren, Jaylea, Mazden, Ellarie, and Embryx Even, and Cora and Maelyn Dellamuth; one sister, Vicki Thome of Gilbertville; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Luree on January 2, 2019; four sons, Monte Lynn, Gregory Allen, Francis Paul, and Ronald Edward; two brothers, John “Jack” Riha, and Richard Riha Sr; one sister, Doris Lawrence; and five angelic great-grandchildren.

A memorial fund will be established.