Harley Niels Riesgaard

Harley Niels Riesgaard, the son of Chris Niels and Margaret (Kness) Riesgaard, was born January 17, 1926, at his parent’s home in Audubon County, east of Exira, Iowa and died November 28, 2012, at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 86 years, 10 months, and 11 days. Harley was baptized at the Exira Christian Church in Exira, Iowa. He attended rural school in Greeley Township, Audubon County, Iowa and then helped operate the family farm. In March of 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Force. During his tour of duty he served as a gunner on a B-17 seeing action in the European Theater. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to Exira and continued to help operate the family farm. On April 6, 1947, he was united in marriage to Madonna Vandevanter at a double wedding with Betty Jean Hackwell and Alvin Wahlert at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Four sons: Gary, Craig, Ron, and Jerry were born to this union. They operated the family farm where they grew row crops and raised cattle and hogs. They purchased the farm and later their son Jerry joined them to help on the farm. Harley retired in 2009 following his back surgery. His hobbies included woodcarving, traveling to Alaska, fishing, hunting, and bird watching. Harley was a member of the Exira Christian Church in Exira where he had served as a Deacon. He was a member of the Exira American Legion Post #332 and was a member of the 8th Air Force Historical Society and had served as an officer. He was able to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2010. Preceding him in death is his parents; his brothers: Milo Riesgaard; Merne and wife Lois Riesgaard; his brothers-in-law Earl and wife Marie Vandevanter, and Fred Kesler; his sisters-in-law: Mildred and husband Marvin Downing; and Dorothy and husband Perry Compton. Survivors include his wife of 65 years Madonna J. Riesgaard of Exira, Iowa; his sons: Gary and wife Becky Riesgaard of Brayton, Iowa; Craig and wife Susan Riesgaard of Exira; Ron and wife Lorena Riesgaard of Delta Junction, Alaska; Jerry and wife Colleen Riesgaard of Exira; his grandchildren: Christopher Riesgaard and wife Gina Bellisario of Kent, Washington; Benjamin and wife Traci Riesgaard and their daughters Bailey Jo and Andi all of Brayton; Andrea Riesgaard of Exira; Kelley and husband Steve Burke and their children Sydney, Colin, Sammy, and Cooper all of Waukee, Iowa; Dusty Riesgaard of Exira; Wil and wife Krystal Riesgaard and their sons Colton, Myles, and Lucas all of Lake Mary, Florida; Jacob and wife Allison Riesgaard and their children Camille and Cody all of Bonaire, Georgia; Karla and husband Jim Casterton of Cedar Falls, Iowa; Brenda Riesgaard and fiancé Alex Langpaul both of West Des Moines, Iowa; his brothers: Eldon and wife Agnes Riesgaard of Avoca, Iowa; Darold and wife Pat Riesgaard of Aurora, Colorado; his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law: Gladys Riesgaard of Audubon, Iowa; Zada Kesler of Panora, Iowa; Julia and husband Clark Millhollin of Panora; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in the Exira Cemetery in Exira, Iowa.

Visitation:
The family will meet with friends on Friday evening from 5:30 P.M. until 7:30P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa.

Service:
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 1, 2012, at 10:30 A.M. at the Exira Christian Church in Exira, Iowa.