Louis M. “Lou” Riedmann, Sr.

Louis M. “Lou” Riedmann, Sr.

January 22, 1935 – March 15, 2022 

Preceded in death by wife, Sharon; parents; seven siblings.  Survived by children: Louis “Chip” Riedmann (Pat) and grandchildren, Christopher (Amber) and Courtney; Beth Riedmann; Gayle Riedmann and grandchildren: Auben Hendrix (James), Lena Kazer (Quinn), Max Kazer; Joyce Vasha (Augie) and grandchildren, Aron (Erika) and Alec; Lisa Lackovic (Robert) and grandchildren, Amy Gunn (Brandon) and Bobby (Kati); nine great-grandchildren; many other family and friends.

VISITATION: Wednesday, March 23^rd at 4pm with a WAKE SERVICE at 6:30pm, all at West Center Chapel.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, March 24^th at 10:30am at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 7600 S. 42^nd Street.  Private Inurnment: Resurrection Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials  to Shriners Hospital for Children or Lauritzen Gardens Riedmann Herb Garden.

To view live broadcasts of the Wake Service and Mass, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “View Cast Button” on our home page.

Lou Riedmann was 87 years old. He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon, his parents, Alfred and Frances and 7 siblings: Madge Panowicz, Irene Van Moorleghem, Fran Garvin, George Riedmann, Al Riedmann, Lawrence Riedmann and Ruth Elsasser.
Lou had 5 children and 9 grandchildren: Louis “Chip” Riedmann (Pat) and grandchildren, Christopher (Amber) and Courtney; Beth Riedmann; Gayle Riedmann and grandchildren: Auben Hendrix (James), Lena Kazer (Quinn), Max Kazer; Joyce Vasha (Augie) and grandchildren, Aron (Erika) and Alec; Lisa Lackovic (Robert) and grandchildren, Amy Gunn (Brandon) and Bobby (Kati). Lou also had 9 great-grandchildren.
Lou was President and Chairman of the Board of Watkins Concrete Block Company, Inc. until 2008. He oversaw 50 employees who looked to him for advice and support. He knew the office operations inside and out, worked with the primary customer base who supported the company, knew the production facility and how it operated and the delivery fleet. In short, he was the glue that held it all together.
Lou loved entertaining at his Lake Home at Hanson Lakes. One of his joys was taking a “booze cruise” around the lake and sharing stories about each home. He always had a full cooler to offer a cold one to those he stopped to talk to. He knew just about everyone on the lake and never hesitated to help his neighbors when they needed assistance with their property. He was a problem solver and Mr. Fix It. Duct tape, WD40 and super glue were always near for quick repairs. Some referred to him as “The Mayor” of Hanson Lakes. He sprung to action during the flood of 2019 and was key to getting things back to normal for the residents.
One of Lou’s favorite pastimes was fishing in Canada on Eddie’s Island. To clarify, he was head chef and made sure the 20 or so guys were well fed. The family enjoyed many stories about these trips. He loved the American Flag, Husker Football, Creighton Basketball, Polka Music, The Drover, Frank Stoysich Meats, Frank Sinatra, and Donald Trump. He was proud of his garage, his garden, his Chris-Craft boat but mostly, he was proud of his 5 children and 9 grandchildren.
Lou leaves behind a large circle of friends in the masonry industry, Hanson Lakes, The Tangier Shrine and many more organizations he was a part of. He was awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National Concrete Masonry Association, the Nebraska Masonry Institute, Metropolitan Omaha Builders Association. Most recently he was recognized for his service to SID 101 that oversees the lake area.
Lou was a positive force with a warm smile and a great sense of humor. He was an innovator and engineer at heart. He was one of the most generous people you will ever meet. So, raise your glass and let’s share a Scotch, a glass of wine, a cold beer or whatever you choose and celebrate the remarkable life of Lou Riedmann.