Kenneth "Dinger" Edward Riedinger

Kenneth “Dinger” Riedinger, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband, Vietnam veteran, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will forever carry his love and legacy in their hearts.

Ken was a proud graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1969. Shortly after graduating, he answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Air Force. After completing boot camp, he was sent to Vietnam, beginning a remarkable 25-year military career. Ken retired honorably as a Technical Sergeant (TSGT).

His military service was an important part of who he was. As a Vietnam veteran, Ken understood sacrifice, commitment, and the importance of serving something larger than himself. His 25 years in the Air Force were a source of pride throughout his life. When he retired, they moved to Fallon, Nevada, where they lived for more than 23 years.

But Dad was much more than a veteran. He knew how to live.

Dad loved to travel, watch football and spent his life making memories and enjoying every adventure he could. He traveled as a snowbird from the coast of Washington to Arizona every year until the passing of his wife (Donna Riedinger). Some of his other adventures would be his trip to Hawaii and St. Thomas, his countless road trips and boat trips to Key West, traveled to Branson, enjoyed multiple cruises, embraced every opportunity to see something new and love to root on his favorite team the “Kansas City Chiefs”, Sundays will not be the same.

One of his most memorable adventures came when dad was 75 years old, when he embarked on an epic cross-country road trip to discover and explore his family history. Age never stopped dad from satisfying his curiosity or pursuing an adventure. He lived life on his own terms and made sure there were plenty of stories to tell along the way.

Anyone who knew dad loved him. He had a way of making an impression on people, and his personality, humor, stories, and zest for life will be deeply missed. He leaves behind memories that will continue to bring laughter, comfort, and love to those who knew him.

Dad was married to his beloved wife, Donna Riedinger, for 34 years until her passing in 2016. Their life together was an important part of dad's story, and the love they shared remains part of the family they built.

Ken was the son of Joseph G. Riedinger and Irene Todd (Landsiedale) Riedinger, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Joseph G. Riedinger Jr., and his sister, Virginia Riedinger.

Dad leaves behind his devoted daughter, Charity (Anthony) Saieva; his son, Jason (Deena) John; and his (Estranged) sons Sean Riedinger and Scott Riedinger.

He was a proud grandfather to Alyssa, Tristan, Jordan, Trevor, Leon, Chelsey, Cortney, Aby, and Alexa, and a great-grandfather to Olivia, Deegan, Elijah, Rose J., Sophia, Rose Z., Adrian, and Nolan.

His greatest legacy is the family he leaves behind and the memories he created with them. From his years of military service to his many adventures on the road, on the water, and across the country, Dad lived a life filled with experiences.

He served his country. He loved his family. He traveled, explored, laughed, and made memories. He never stopped living.

Kenneth “Dinger” Riedinger lived a life worth remembering.

His family will miss his presence, his stories, his personality, and the unmistakable mark he left on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Although he is gone, his memory will continue through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives he touched.

Rest easy, Dad. Your journey may have come to an end, but the road you traveled and the memories you left behind will live on forever.

Military Honors

A service honoring Ken's life and military service will be held at Fernley Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery on August 28th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

In honor of Ken's 25 years of service to his country and his service as a Vietnam veteran, his family and friends are invited to gather together to remember the man behind the uniform—the father, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband, traveler, adventurer, and friend who will never be forgotten.