Kenneth Brian Riffel, 39
Kenneth Brian Riffel, 39, passed away on Friday, April 15, 2016, near Sandpoint, Idaho
Kenny-Bear (as his momma called him) came into this world born on Feb. 8, 1977, as a charmer who would win hearts with just a smile.
His parents, Lester and Laurie Riffel, watched as he grew into the cowboy we all knew and loved, his charm increased with the stories of adventures that would have his listeners laughing to tears. Stories of bronc-riding pigs, the old Granada with bull horns adorned on the front, building, trapping, hunting, rodeo-ing.
His practical jokes being notorious … from tricking his brother into eating chicken scratch as Grape-Nuts then walking around clucking like a chicken to grabbing his future sister-in-law’s clothes to dress up so he could be a stripper at his brother’s bachelor party.
His green thumb would rival the masters’. He would take a four-foot-high weed field and with a shovel-turn it, and prep it. Then by the end of summer, he would have a bounty of food for him and his family and friends.
Kenny had a heart bigger than his adventures … his love for his family often outshining his care for himself. He gave freely to those in need even beyond his means.
Even though Kenny has left us way too early we celebrate the love and life we knew.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at the New Song Bible Church with Pastor Barry Johnson officiating.
He is survived by his wife, Leslie Howell of Naples, Idaho; eight children, Matthew, Samantha, Becca, Beth Annie, Terrance, Koraline, Bridger Riffel, and Gabriel Howell; his mother, Laurie Riffel of Sandpoint, Idaho; his father, Les (Lori) Riffel of Bayard, Neb.; five brothers, Tony Riffel of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Jeff (Lynette) Riffel of Palm Beach, Fla., Tim (Jessica) Riffel of Sandpoint, Josh (Wendy) Riffel of Sandpoint, and Jeremiah (Amanda) Riffel of Hope, Idaho; a sister, Carrie (Dennis) Stevens of Perris, Calif.; an uncle, Jeff (Katsa) Stevens of Sandpoint; an aunt Sherri (Cliff) Miller of Mitchell, Neb., a grandfather, Larry Riffel of Bayard, Neb., a grandmother, Ceil Ruple; by numerous cousins, nephews and nieces; and by special friends, Terry (Sue) Sundsted of Oregon City, Ore.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Juanita Stevens.
Donations for the Kenny Riffel Memorial Fund can be made at any Mountain West Bank and or on GoFundme.com
Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements.
Please visit Ken’s online memorial, which can be found at www.lakeviewfuneral.com, and sign his guest book.