Jo An Rai (Chapel) Riedlinger

JoAn Rai Riedlinger, 91, of Troy, MT passed away peacefully Sunday, July 1, 2018, at the Boundary County Hospital extended care facility in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Her passing follows a lengthy struggle with dementia.

JoAn was born in Aberdeen, Washington on June 5, 1927 to Charles and Ruth Chapel, and lived most of her life in the Troy area.  She attended schools in Troy and married Martin Riedlinger on November 2, 1941.  JoAn and Martin formed Riedlinger Logging, an independent contractor business, which they operated for several decades.  As she often said, “Martin was the logger and I was the bookkeeper and raised the kids”.  She was a staunch supporter of the Montana Logging Association and Communities for a Great Northwest.  For a brief time, she and Martin also owned the Home Bar in Troy.  JoAn was a long-time member of the Troy Business and Professionals Club.  In her later years, she enjoyed gardening, reading, and hosting large family gatherings at their home. Whether keeping a mulligan stew going for the hunting camp, preparing Thanksgiving dinner, or using her converted washing machine lid fry-pan to cook trout over a campfire, she was a great cook.  JoAn volunteered for many years covering emergency calls for the Troy Area Dispatch; Yaak and Bull Lake Volunteer Ambulance; and, was an active member of the Troy Quilters Guild, Yaak and Bull Lake Rod & Gun Clubs.

JoAn was preceded in death by Martin, her husband of 72 years; her mother and father; and, brothers, Wes and Lonnie Chapel.  Survivors include daughters Bonnie (Clayton Price), Troy; and Donna (Larry Nelson), Monroe, WA; son Dennis (Karen), Troy; "the twins" Darla (Tim Lindsey), Houston, TX; and Carla (Jim Bombino), Beaverton, OR.  She is also survived by brothers, Alton, Pat, and Albert Chapel; sister, Leah Voorhies; along with many grand-children; great grand-children; great, great grand-children; nieces; nephews; in-laws; and others. 

JoAn had numerous good friends who, along with family, will cherish lifetime memories.  She is now at peace.  Private family services are planned.  Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

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