Wolfgang Waldemar “Bill” Riedel, age 88, of Charlotte, NC, formerly of Montgomery Village, MD, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren on April 1, 2019.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Evelyn, nearly one year ago. He is survived by his sister, Ruth (Ihor) Huk of Vienna, Austria; daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Ken Rogich, and Doreen and Rich Davis; and grandchildren, Caitlin, Lindsay, and Christopher Rogich, and Emma and Abby Davis. Bill was born in Marienbad, Czech Republic, but spent most of his youth in Vienna, Austria before moving to the United States permanently in 1957.
Prior to leaving for the states, Bill met his future wife, Evelyn, and she joined him one year later in Delaware where they were married in 1958. Bill knew from a young age that he wanted to live in the States.
His first exchange program took him to Antioch College in Ohio in 1950. After several years back in Vienna, Bill returned to attend the University of Delaware where he completed his Bachelor’s and Masters degrees in Psychology. He worked at the Governor Bacon Health Center and taught emotionally disturbed boys while pursuing his degrees.
This led him to a position in Wilmington, DE, where he worked for the Ferris School for Boys. Here, Bill and Evelyn met lifelong friends, Marty and Marv Kuypers, who came to visit Bill just days before he passed, sharing one more happy hour together. In 1962, Bill began pursuing his PhD in Clinical Psychology at Temple University. Upon completing his degree, he accepted a position teaching at Catholic University and opened his private practice in Bethesda, Maryland. He continued teaching, which he loved, for a few years, and ultimately pursued his practice full-time, treating patients for over 40 years and immeasurably impacting the lives of hundreds.
In 2008, after moving Charlotte, Bill continued to work with a few patients by phone up until this past year. He was passionately and humbly committed to his practice and often saw patients for “what they could afford” as he never wanted to turn away anyone in need.
As dedicated as Bill was to his profession, he and Evelyn were most passionate about their family. They adored their daughters, sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. They taught their daughters the joy of the beach, spending summers in Bethany from the time the girls were babies. Bill and Evelyn were heavily involved in their lives, taking great pride in their achievements and simply enjoying precious time with all of them. When they still lived in Maryland, they would drive to Charlotte every 4-6 weeks to “get their fix” with the grandkids. In addition to family, friends always played an important role in their lives, and they considered themselves very blessed to have maintained many lifelong friends, a number whose children lovingly referred to them as Aunt Ev and Uncle Bill.
Bill will be most remembered for his fabulous sense of humor. His quick wit would delight those around him (and himself), and we can’t help but think he left this world chuckling as it was April Fools’ Day. Bill’s church home was St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church and his church family dearly loved him. He was actively involved with the Care Givers/Care Receivers group, the Guild of St. Gabriel where he visited home bound parishioners, and numerous other serving initiatives. Bill especially enjoyed his friendship with Father Todd, who would regularly visit Bill to share laughs and their joy for the Lord (and an occasional beer).
The family has been so touched by the support and love from friends far and near over the last year. Bill was heartbroken when Ev passed, and while he was still able, he visited the church nearly every day to be close to her. He made the most of his time with us, savoring what life still had to offer. While Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew him, we are comforted that he is at peace, having joined the Lord and his Evelyn. Funeral services were April 6, 2018 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 8515 Rea Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made online or via mail to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 7600 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226.