Leonard "Bill" Christian Riehl

Wednesday, 10 February 2021, Leonard “Bill” Christian Riehl of Loysburg, formally of Everett, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 at Maybrook Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, in Altoona, PA.

Leonard, commonly known as Bill, was born on 29 April 1928 to William and Harriet (Spade) Riehl. As a child he was known as “Little Willy” because he strongly resembled his deceased father, leading to his nickname “Bill”. He married Gloria Laverne Hilden on 25 December 1951. Bill and Gloria had four children: Vicki Carbaugh (Loysburg), Temple Riehl, and wife Dina (Westminster, MD), Lisa Riehl (Loysburg), and Lynn Riehl (Bedford); five grandchildren: Dustin Carbaugh, Ashley Carbaugh, and wife, Christy, Andrew Riehl, Allison Riehl, and Tyler Riehl; two great-grandchildren: Caleb and Mya Hammel, and two special great-nieces, Hannah, and Hailey Merritt, whom he adored as grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Lola Palmer, Merle Riehl, Leota Defibaugh, Shirley Buseck, Erma Johnson, and Pauline Gartland. His wife Gloria proceeded him in death in 1998. He is survived by his children and grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Bill was a veteran, serving as Radio Technician during WWII. He enlisted in the Army Air Forces on 28 November 1945 in Bedford, PA. He received basic training at Kessler Field, MS., and Radio Mechanic A.C.S. school at Scott Field, IL. Bill earned the ranking of Staff Sergeant during his service and played an instrumental part in the life saving efforts of six individuals and the locating a lost bomber.  After his honorable discharge from the military, Bill worked as a Class A1 diesel mechanic for multiple companies including Wilson Trucking, Eastern Express, Halls Trucking, Dick’s Alternator Service, and finally retiring from Preston Trucking.

Bill was a military aviation enthusiast, often attending air shows and visiting museums. He also enjoyed reading about the military and history, as well as visiting historic sites with his children and grandchildren. Bill had a love for the beach and enjoyed deep sea fishing with his nephew Larry McKinley and family. He enjoyed watching Penn State football and attending home games at Beaver Stadium.  He was known for his love of family, teasing spirit, and tight squeezes (bear hugs).

Funeral services will be held privately at Akers Funeral Home, 299 Raystown Road, Everett, with Pastor Timothy Laird officiating and Earl Stovall participating.  

Burial at the Everett Cemetery with full Military honors by the Everett Area Honor Guard.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory. Online condolences may be expressed at www.akersfuneralhome.com

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