Margaret J. Riedesel

Margaret Joan (Anderson) Riedesel passed away on the morning of February 9, 2025, in Lakewood, CO at 89 years old. She was previously a longtime resident of Estes Park, CO. The themes of hard work, play, and adventure ran through her life. Born June 14, 1935, Margaret grew up on a farm on the border of southern Minnesota and Iowa. She attended a rural one room schoolhouse in Iowa and East Chain high school in Minnesota. She graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. While she focused on her studies during the school year, she found adventure during her summers, working at a lodge in the Boundary Waters of Ely, MN and working at Lake Geneva, WI college camp. She met her lifetime partner and sweetheart, Keith Riedesel, while working at George Williams College summer camp. Margaret worked in food service and Keith on the waterfront, lifeguarding and giving sailboat rides. Later they met again in Europe when Keith and his twin brother were stationed with the Army in Frankfurt, and Margaret was spending her summer biking and busing through Europe with her cousin. After graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College she taught physical education at both grade school and secondary levels. Margaret and Keith were married in 1959 and raised two children in a log home they built in The Ledges near Roscoe, IL. There they also cared for three little girls, all foster children between 1968 and 1972. Her love of family and friends ran deep, and there was a special place in her heart for children, animals, and ice cream. A proud Swede, Christmas was often celebrated with a houseful of fun-loving Swedish family members busy in the kitchen concocting dishes of lutefisk and korv, and for dessert, spritz, rosettes, and fattigman. The house decorated with wall hangings wishing “God Jul.” When not teaching or running a household, family vacations were planned and enjoyed. Many wonderful times were had visiting family and friends, Colorado for hiking and skiing, and Disney! Margy immersed herself in the World of Disney, or as she would say, “the place where I get to become a kid again!” Keith and Margy realized their dream of moving to Estes Park, CO in 1995 after completing their log home with beautiful mountain views. Retirement consisted of working in the food service at the YMCA of the Rockies. Her time working at the Y was to fill the travel coffers and adventure off with Keith and those who could join in, to: Hawaii to soak up the sun, dig toes into the sand, and savor hula pie; Scandinavia to visit relatives and explore the city and country; Canada to enjoy the natural beauty; Branson to be entertained and meet best friends halfway. There was nothing better than a trip to look forward to! “Off for fun we go” is taped to the front of her travel folder. Margaret’s life is best expressed by her sign that reads: “Live Well. Laugh Often. Love Much.” Preceded in death by her mother and father, Lillie and Roy Anderson, and brother, James Anderson. Survived by her husband, Keith Riedesel, son Paul Riedesel (Kim Porter), and daughter Heidi Riedesel. A memorial service will be held on June 14th, 2025 at Shepherd of the Mountain Lutheran Church in Estes Park, CO. If you would like to reach out directly to the family, please contact Goes Funeral Care for information.