Dolores M. Riegel, 92, died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on May 11, 2023, at Comforts of Home.
She was born on March 26, 1931, in Dresser, Wisconsin, to Alfred and Iva Schafer. Dolores attended high school at St. Croix Falls where she graduated in 1949.
She was married to Wesley Hallgren on Nov. 22, 1950, and they had two children, Sandy and Jim. They lived in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, until they bought the farm in Dresser. Dolores worked as a nurse at the St. Croix Falls clinic from 1966 until her retirement.
Dolores married Fred Riegel in 1973 and they worked together to bring the old farm back to life. Dolores was a very gracious host who loved entertaining family, friends and hosting parties at their beautiful home.
Dolores liked to be busy and enjoyed many hobbies like furniture refinishing, sewing, playing bridge, golfing, gardening and decorating their home. Her gardens were on the Artbarn Garden Tour in 1998 and pictures of the flower garden appeared on the cover of the Minnesota Horticulturalist Magazine for two separate months, quite an honor. She was an excellent seamstress and made all their curtains and fitted slipcovers for their furniture. Dolores also loved to attend her grandchildren’s many sporting events and concerts.
She served on the St. Croix Falls hospital board and as treasurer of the St. Croix Falls Historical Society.
She was active within her church and loved getting ready for their spring plant sale. She also helped with the planning of the church’s addition.
Dolores and Fred were able to travel around the world to many interesting places. Sometimes they traveled with the Good Will People to People delegation.
She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
Dolores was preceded in death by her parents; son, Jim Hallgren; and stepchildren, Dan Riegel, Larry Riegel and Gayle Riegel.
She is survived by her daughter, Sandy Ball and husband Tim, grandchildren, Nate Ball and Kim Kaiser (Doug) and great-grandchildren, Jack and Charlie Kaiser; daughter-in-law, Lynn Hallgren, granddaughter, Katie Hallgren, and great-grandchildren, Kaden and Piper; granddaughter, Tina and her children; grandson, Tyler his wife Kim and their children; grandson, Brandon Hoffman and his children; grandson, Jake Riegel and his wife and their children; Dan Riegel’s children, Molly, Julie, Taryn and Jake Riegel; sister- in -law, Gail Peet and her family; and by many loved nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 22, at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1947 110th Ave., Dresser, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with the Grandstrand Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed online at grandstrandfh.com
