Lowell Riefkohl
Passed: June 13, 2020
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Lowell Riefkohl
Passed: June 13, 2020
Obituary
Mr. Lowell B. Riefkohl, age 84, of Goodyear, Arizona passed away on June 13, 2020 in Goodyear, Arizona. He was born on October 22, 1935 to Lewis and Bertha Riefkohl in Ysleta, Texas.
Lowell was the owner/ operator of Avondale Service Center Auto Repair from 1960 until his retirement in 1996. He also spent time as an Avondale city councilman form 1972 to 1985, Avondale Mayor from 1986 to 1989 and was also the Billy Moore Days Grand Marshall in 1990.
Lowell is survived by his wife; Carol Riefkohl, his daughters; Kimberly Doll (Andy), and Melanie Riefkohl (Kim Anderson), his step-daughters; Caysie Turrill (Lee), Collette Stawecki, and Cara McAlister. He is also survived by his sister; Liz Witt and his brother’s Herman Riefkohl and Kenneth Riefkohl, and his eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Lowell was preceded in death by his parents; Lewis Nugent and Bertha Riefkohl; his brother’s: Jerald Riefkohl, August Riefkohl, and Dow Riefkohl; his sister: Sandra Roach, and his deceased wife; Onie Riefkohl (the mother of Kimberly Doll and Melanie Riefkohl.)
A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 29, 2020 at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 South Litchfield Rd. in Goodyear at 9:00am.
6 responses to Lowell Riefkohl
Carlos Cabrera says:
June 28, 2020
My Condolences Carol and Family. I had the pleasure of knowing Lowell and knew him to be a very kind and honest man. May God bless you.
Art Cowburn says:
June 29, 2020
To the immediate and extended family, with my heart I share in your sorrow. I among many I’m sure, was quietly, abundantly and yet gently blessed to have Lowell in my life when I was at a formidable stage of my youth . His sense of humor, his work ethic, his love and devotion to his family, and his gentleness, kindness and charity are what for me, make him one of the few honorable men to admire and emulate in my own lifetime. He never criticized but gently coached. Always accepted people at their word. Never raised his voice, but was concise and sure in his direction. Mostly, I’ll hold dear the many, many laughs, the silliness, his placement of trust in me personally, his smile and his welcoming loving heart that made me feel special in his world and wanted. It was Lowell, Onie, Kim and Melanie that will always be my Arizona Family. Remember, though blood not shared, you will always be a special part of me. Rest in Peace and Love Lowell.
Phyllis Waznis says:
July 1, 2020
Melanie-
So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Kim during this time. I was surprised to learn he was the mayor of Avondale. Always full of surprises
Love
Bill Polete says:
July 1, 2020
I send my sincerest sympathy to Kim & Andy and all of Lowell’s family. I first met Lowell in the late 1970’s when I worked for a bank and Lowell was part of a City team lobbying to have it located in Avondale. Lowell was key in making that happen but as always reluctant to take any credit for his tireless efforts. When he committed to something, he didn’t quit. I enjoyed being around Lowell. He was easy to talk to, easy to laugh with and above all honest. I’d leave my vehicle with him and say it needed fixin’, and he would. I used his services so much I had his phone # memorized, (no mobile phones with contacts then). In fact I used Lowell as an example raising my children of what it meant to have integrity. You are certainly missed by the family and friends you are leaving, but warmly welcomed by those you are joining. Go ahead and take the credit you deserve for such a great life you lived.
Duane McCulley says:
July 6, 2020
It is with a sad heart to know that Lowell passed away. We do not subscribe to the AZ Rep and only received word from a Sister- in-Law today that one of the Riefkohl family had passed away. I haven’t seen Keith and family at church lately either. Please know I had great respect for Lowell and his accomplishments and that we had a personal friendship since the days His mom and wonderful family of brothers and sisters lived near Perryville. I specially remember Lowell when he worked for Cliff Curtis in the little Chevron station and mech shop in Perryville and his successful business in Avondale. My condolences to the family and I truly regret not being with you at his services. With sincere sympathy, Duane McCulley.