After a life of love and quiet grace, Clarence Edward Riley Jr. of Phillips, WI has passed.
These are the contours of a life that meant a great deal to many.
The lessons of a parent travel forward, often without their name attached.
Clarence “Ed” Edward Riley, Jr., age 82, passed away April 20, 2026, at Marshfield Medical Center Park Falls. He was born April 23, 1943, to parents Clarence, Sr. and Luella Riley in Park Falls, WI. He graduated Class of ’61 from Park Falls High School. He served in the military from 1963 to 1967.He married the love of his life Melodi Burnett on April 21, 1973. Together they built a life in Phillips. Ed drove a school bus for the Phillips School District from 1975 to 2019. He also owned and operated Riley’s TV and Satellite Service from 1976 to 2000. He loved fishing, camping, reading, and watching Van Life Videos on YouTube. He loved his HAM Radio as well.Ed was preceded in death by his parents: Clarence, Luella Brumm; foster parents: Elaine and Aubrey Dunn; brother: Ray Riley; sister: Joanne Hamann. He is survived by his wife Melodi; children: Ashley Riley, Joe (Tori) Riley; grandchildren: Collin Riley, Tanner (Kirsten) Riley, Arianna Riley, Ean Riley, Samantha Zimmerman; siblings: Charlotte Ziemke, Delores Johnson; sister in law: Vikki Burnett; numerous nieces and nephews; pets: Wilson, Sunny and Scout; and many HAM Radio friends.A Memorial Gathering will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 am, at Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home in Phillips, WI. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 Noon following the gathering.
