To our family and friends:

Words cannot express the kindness, compassion and love shown by all of you who knew my Dad.  Whether you attended his visitation and/or service on Wednesday, sent cards, messages on Facebook or here on CaringBridge, texted, called or prayed or came to see him at the house or in the care centers, it was so overwhelming to see the amount of love and support you have given our family. We knew how special he was, but you all confirmed that.  

Dad was a very special person - as you all know. He was one of the kindest, compassionate and faithful people you could ever meet. To say he was loved by all is an understatement. Anyone who knew him understands what I am talking about. As Jack, Ben and Max mentioned as they shared their thoughts about their Papa at his Celebration of Life he made such an impact on everyone who knew him. He told them, "Be Safe...and if you can't be safe, be careful."  He always made us feel safe and was careful in everything he did. Meticulous about everything - from building/working on cars, snowmobiles and anything he made to the care he gave in his community, work and just being "Norm." 

We know he is now with Jesus and cancer-free, pain-free and with his parents and relatives, all of his friends who have gone before him and even his 4-legged buddies - Skippy, Candy and Maynard. He is catching up with Grandma and Grandpa, playing one heck of a Kings in the Corner game with Grandpa P and Grandpa R as well as Cribbage, Poker, Play Nine or Washers with his friends and no doubt making everyone laugh with his impressions, Norwegian jokes and smile! He is telling Jesus THANK YOU - we know he was needed up there!  

As Pastor Milbrath, Jack, Ben and Max shared at his service...He loved his family and friends and definitely knew how to make everyone feel special...I know he made US feel that way.  

As we said Goodbye at his bedside, his service at church and his gravesite...it wasn't really "Goodbye" but more of a "See you again someday" in Heaven.  Ecclesiastes 3 says there is a time for everything...definitely true!

On the Wings of a Dove was one of Dad's favorite songs and as we said "See you again" Ferlin Husky reminded us through that song that "A sign from above, on the wings of a Dove!" 

I am attaching a link to Rascal Flatts' "I Won't Let Go"  because the words are very much what the Bible says and how Dad felt about everyone in his life. 

THANK YOU all for being a part of Dad's life (and ours). We are truly blessed - Love to all ❤️ 🙏 🤗

We love you, Dad! 

The Family of Norm Riska