Jayson Riddle

Jayson Isaac Riddle was born on September 10, 1973 to Jim Riddle and Diane Nelson in Valley City, and spent his life building connections, stories, and memories with the many people who were fortunate enough to know him.

Jayson lived a life defined by curiosity, ambition, hard work, and relationships. He was an entrepreneur at heart, always working on something, collecting something, or chasing the next opportunity. Jayson loved farming and working with cattle, and he found real satisfaction in being outdoors. Those close to him knew how deeply this way of life mattered to him.

Jayson made friends everywhere he went and had a remarkable way of striking up conversations and leaving an impression. If there was an auction, Jayson was interested—drawn not just by the items, but by the thrill of winning. More than once, he could be persuaded into buying something he didn’t want or need simply because he enjoyed the thrill and the story that came with it.

He enjoyed sports, especially those his kids were involved in. He loved hunting, experimenting with new ways to artfully burn the furniture, driving and traveling (especially by RV), lending a hand to anyone who needed one, and an occasional Corgi race, but what many will remember most was his unique sense of humor. Jayson spoke in a language all his own—complete with nicknames and coded expressions that made you feel like one of the in-crowd once you figured them out. His quick wit, unmistakable personality, and ability to make people laugh kept conversations lively and memorable.

Jayson was deeply loved and will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, his talent for cooking and bringing people together, his ability to connect with others, his distinctive brand of humor, and the many stories he leaves behind. His presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless people whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife, Heidi, whom he married on September 4, 2010; his children Maddie Riddle and Josie (Tyler) Chappell (with first wife Sally), and Jayce and Sienna Riddle; his three grandchildren Sterling, Leo & Laney; his siblings Naomi (Jim) Grueneich and Anthony (Jess) Riddle; his nieces and nephews Gaige, Chloe, Liberty, Atley, Eden, Henry, Ellie; his father Jim (Carol) Riddle; his mother Diane (Ed) Haisley; and many friends whose lives he touched with his unique brand of kindness and humor.

Preceded in death by his grandparents Betty and Vince Nelson, and Leo and Marjorie Riddle; his uncles Kenneth Riddle and Dennis Klein.

Visitation will be at Zoar Lutheran Church, LaMoure, ND from1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Friday, May 8 with the Celebration of Life Service to be held at 3:00 PM at church. Interment will be in Saint Ansgar Cemetery, LaMoure, ND.

Williams-Lisko Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.