Arnold D. "Scooter" Riese

Arnold David Riese “Scooter” 86, of Oakfield went to be with the love of his life, Shirley on Wednesday, December 5, 2018.



Arnie was born on September 15, 1932 in Leroy, Wisconsin to the late Leon and Josephine (Elsinger) Riese. He graduated from Brandon High School in 1951. Arnie served in the United States Army from 1954-1956, where he finished Ranger Training prior to Tank Training. He worked at Vulcan Mfg until retirement in 1988. While employed at Vulcan Mfg., he also began Riese Tree Service with his uncle, Donald Riese in 1957 which Arnie ran until his passing with his son, Tom; and to this day is one of the most recommended Tree Service’s around.



Arnie and Shirley (Sook) were wed at St. Mary’s Church in Fond du Lac on September 22, 1956. The couple made their home in the Fond du Lac area and later moved to Oakfield where they resided for over 50 years.



Arnie was a loving father and grandfather who will be remembered warmly for his ever present devotion to his family and the passion that he showed for his business. He was most happy spending time pheasant hunting with his faithful companions and talking about his days playing high school football/baseball (made 1st Team All Conference for both) and playing in the Oakfield Fast Pitch League 18 years for Dick’s Bar and The Reporter.

Arnie is survived by his five children, Debbie (Tim) Plzak, Kathy Godina, Tim (Mary Wettstein), Tom (Stevie), and Sandy (Steve) Cowles; six grandchildren, Stormi (Nick) Malesevich, Corey (Jessica) Godina, Ashley Godina, Kellie Godina, Kyle Plzak, and Kimmie Plzak; five great-grandchildren, Oscar, Violet, Ava, Johnathan, and Evan; and brother, Vernon Riese.



He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley (June 18, 2010); his daughter, Mary (September 26, 2011); his son-in-law, Richard Godina; one sister-in-law, Lovina (Norbert) Elsinger; four brothers-in-law, Sylvester (Mary Jane) (Ione) Sook, Earl (Esther) Sook, Arnie (Eva) Sook, and Ralph Sook; father & mother-in-law Lester and Christina (Bauer) Sook; and his parents.



Visitation will be held Sunday, December 9, 2018 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Sunday at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place and burial will follow in Avoca Cemetery.



Arnold’s family would like to express their heart-felt appreciation to the staff at the Hospice Home of Hope for the wonderful care and compassion given to their dad.



Lord, I need to talk to you, because my life is passing by

I’ve toiled and sweat for many years, cutting trees and that is no lie.



I know that’s not your style, it is nature you loved best

But if you would just listen Lord, I know we’d both be blessed.



I hope I didn’t upset you Lord, cutting down the trees you gave us,

But there were so many reasons, that removing them was best.



Sometimes it was a furious storm that ripped across this land

Sometimes it was to clear a spot, for a house that was so grand.



Sometimes it was that time had passed, and that tree was just too old

But after it was cut and stacked, it kept loved ones from the cold.



So Lord I ask one thing of you, that when my days are done

Please let me climb the tallest tree, to make my final run!