Edward Riley obituary

    Edward William Riley, 73, of rural Zumbro Falls, died on the farm on Friday, March 5, 2021. He was born Dec. 21, 1947 in Rochester to Norbert and Rosella (Darcy) Riley, was baptized at St. Clements Catholic Church in Hammond. Edward grew up and attended school in Rochester graduating from Rochester Lourdes. On April 29, 1972 he married Elizabeth Schwalbe at St. Felix Catholic Church in Wabasha.
    Edward worked at Crenlo and Arnolds Supply in Rochester. He mostly farmed in rural Zumbro Falls being the fifth generation to farm the Riley Century Farm. For 35 years Edward enjoyed making Rosaries for kids receiving their First Communion at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He loved hosting bonfires and cookouts on the farm for his nieces and nephews, giving hayrides and teaching them how to drive tractors and work on the farm. Edward was a member of St. Clements Catholic Church in Hammond until it closed, and then was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church - West Albany. He was also a member of the 4 Seasons Snowmobiling Club.
    Edward is survived by his loving wife of almost 49 years, Elizabeth Riley of Zumbro Falls; a son James Riley of Zumbro Falls; seven grandchildren, Hannah, Logan, Linkkon, Teagan, Jess Ann, Patrik Tollefson of Rochester, and Sydney (Charles) Morgan of Albert Lea, and a great-grandchild, Skye Morgan; three sisters, Maureen Berkner and Ruth Riley both of Phoenix, and Sharon (Larry) Whipkey of Forest, Va.; three brothers, Patrick Riley of Lakeville, Dr. Daniel (Dr. Elizabeth Slattery) Riley of St. Paul, and Kevin (Terri) Riley of Grandby, Mo.; also survived by a brother-in-law, George (Ellie) Schwalbe of Wabasha; sisters-in-laws, Sister Rita Schwalbe, SSND and Sister Rosemary Schwalbe, SSND both of Mankato; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Philip, and a sister-in-law, Janet Riley.
    A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 16, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church - West Albany in rural Millville with Father Matthew Fasnacht officiating. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in St. Clements Catholic Cemetery in Hammond. Masks are required and please practice social distancing.
    Arrangements entrusted to Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel, the guest register may be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com .