We are saddened to announce the passing of Brian E. Riley, 75, of Milltown, Wisconsin, on April 19, 2024. Brian passed peacefully at his winter retreat in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Brian was born on Feb. 24, 1949, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Alden and Patricia (Hamm) Riley. He grew up in North St. Paul, Minnesota, with his five younger brothers. Brian graduated from high school in 1967 and from there he went on to enlist in the U.S. military where he would serve overseas in the Vietnam war. A short time after returning from Vietnam, Brian met the love of his life, Anne (Cook) Riley, and they were married in 1982. They raised two beautiful daughters and they later, graciously, took in a third. In 1988 they purchased property on Bone Lake in Milltown and relocated. The family has fond memories of living in the chicken coop while Brian remodeled their home with his own hands.
Brian was a skilled master carpenter and the original esteemed owner of Bone Lake Carpenters, a company he built from the ground up. His meticulous nature, unique craftsmanship and the pride in his work leaves a lasting impression in the Bone Lake area. He had a very particular taste in music, a love for reading, enjoyed playing chess, a knack for unique art and his Farmall tractors, enjoyed gatherings with family and friends in the garage and in recent years discovered a love of cooking. He enjoyed intelligent conversation and being able to have new adventures. In travels to Mexico with Anne, Brian fell in love with the culture and vibrant lifestyle, which led to the purchase of his beloved retreat in Puerto Vallarta.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne; his parents, Alden and Patricia; and brother, Timothy Riley.
He leaves behind his daughters, Kathryn Lynn Riley, Jennifer Ann Riley and JennaRae (Blaise) Bereiter; grandsons, Jordan and Blake Bereiter; brothers, Kevin (Pam), Terry (Molly), Dennis (Amy) and Chris Riley; sisters-in-law, Julie (Brian) Coe and Carol Riley; many nephews and nieces; along with special friends, Rick and Cindy Angrist, Mike Vallant and Carole Matteson.
As Brian leaves for a new adventure, may we remember that Brian’s spirit was made to last forever in our hearts and we bid farewell to Brian and start our own new adventures. May we celebrate his life and find solace in the cherished memories that he leaves behind.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, May 12, from 1-4 p.m., at the Milltown VFW, 1503 200th Ave. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the COPD Foundation or the American Cancer Society.
