John Riley

John Riley, 70, of Atchison, Kansas, died Thursday, January 4, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 11:00 A. M. at St. Benedict Church with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB, officiating.  A parish rosary will be recited at 10:00 A.M. on January 11th at St. Benedict Church followed by visitation until the time of Mass.   Memorials are suggested to Bishop Ward High School or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and may be left in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with whom care has been entrusted. A lunch will be provided following the service at the St. Joseph Church basement.

John was born October 23, 1953, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Jenny (MacMillan) Riley. He attended schools in Sioux City, Iowa. After high school he went on to attend Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska, to earn his Bachelors Degree. Following graduation John enrolled at the University of Kansas earning his Masters Degree in Education Administration.

John began his teaching career in Elgin, Nebraska, he later moved on to Bishop Ward High School where he served 34 years until his retirement in September of 2022.

He and Mary Lou Davis were united in marriage on June 16, 1979, in Warrensburg, Missouri.

John was an active member of St. Benedict Parish. He served his parish as a longtime cantor for weekend Mass, a Eucharistic Minister and attending adoration.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou; a son, Jonathan (Twanisha) Riley, Houston, TX; two daughters, Kathrine (Brian) Knudsen, Atchison, KS, Hilary (Rayfield) Holt, Atchison, KS; two brothers, William Riley, Charleston, SC, Michael Riley, Sioux City, IA; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Cynthia Mohr; and a brother, Thomas Riley.