Obituary of Eli B. Riehl

Eli B. Riehl Dundee: Eli B. Riehl, 80, of Dundee, NY, passed away peacefully in his sleep early the morning of October 17, 2024. Eli was born on April 23, 1944, in Bird-In-Hand, PA, the eldest son of the late Jacob L. and Leah F. (Stoltzfus) Riehl. On October 9, 1965 he married Ruth Ellen (Yoder) Riehl. Eli and Ruth Ellen began their family in Washington, DC as Eli served his 1W Service. They then moved to Chestertown, MD before planting roots in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. Eli was a milk tester for DHI and worked in sales at various local companies. He also dedicated years of service to Penn Yan ambulance, hospice care and as a visiting nurse. After retirement, Eli volunteered as a chaplain for Christian Aid Ministries and a bid spotter at the New York Haiti Benefit Auction. An avid gardener, Eli could be found tending to flowers and spending time feeding the birds. He is survived by 6 children: John, husband of Joanna (Nisly), of Hutchinson, KS; Nathan, husband of Alma (Stoltzfus), of Himrod, NY; Kenneth, husband of Vivian (Miller), of Dundee, NY; Philip, husband of LaReta (Stoltzfus), of Penn Yan, NY; Nevin, husband of Whitney (Doyle), of Rolla, MO; and Veronica, wife of Matthew LaRoche, of Grand Saline, TX; 22 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Eli is also survived by his siblings: Katie King of Gordonville, PA; Sarah Riehl of Cochranville, PA; Hannah wife of Phares Lapp of Ronks, PA; Jacob Jr. husband of Elizabeth of Strasburg, PA; Jonas S., husband of Emma, of Bird-In-Hand, PA; Lena S., wife of the late Henry Yoder, of Kirkwood, PA; Menno, husband of Marian, of Mount Joy, PA; and Mary Ann, wife of Emmanuel Esh, of Lancaster, PA. He was preceded in death by his brother, Levi Riehl, and his daughter-in-law, Arlene (Hostetler) Riehl. Eli was a member of Lakeland Mennonite Church in Rock Stream, NY where he served as an usher for many years. Eli's life has inspired us all to serve our families, churches, and communities with joy. Friends are invited to calling hours from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday Oct. 20 at the Lakeland Mennonite Church 389 Rock Stream Rd. Rock Stream, NY 14878; where his funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday Oct 21. Burial will follow in the Crystal Valley Mennonite Church Cemetery 2420 State Route 230 Dundee, NY 14837. Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home 36 Water St. Dundee, NY; Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.