HERKIMER-Ernest G. Riesel 'Cub' age 69 of Steuben Hill Road, passed away on Sunday evening June 25, 2006 in his home. He was born on June 1, 1937 in Herkimer son of the late Ernest H. and Florence Lyon Riesel. A lifelong Herkimer resident, he was a graduate of Herkimer High School. In 1958 he entered the US Army. He was stationed in Germany and was honorably discharged in 1963 with the rank of PFC. On February 8, 1964 he was united in marriage to the former Janet Jones in Ilion. Over the years Cub worked on the family farm, Bordens Milk Company, the Library Bureau and Riesel Construction Company, before retiring in 1987. In his leisure time he enjoyed watching NASCAR racing and was a devoted fan of The Intimidator Dale Earnhardt. His hobby was building models, fishing, reading and listening to country music. To all who knew Cub they will remember a unique, strong willed man who enjoyed the outdoors and made his peace with God in the beauty of the serene woods and grassy fields around his home. His down to earth manor flowed from his character and you felt a sense of warmth and friendship whenever you were with him. He lived his life to the fullest and was happiest when he was surrounded by his many friends and family, especially his grandchildren. He will be truly missed. Surviving are his loving wife of forty-two years Janet, one son Brian and his wife Brenda Riesel of Herkimer, two daughters and their husbands, Cheryl and Michael Cristman of Herkimer, Mary and Gary Clark of Virginia Beach, VA, one brother, Edward C. Riesel of Herkimer, two sisters, Sharon E. Oldfield and Jane M. Riesel both of Herkimer, four grandchildren Joseph, Emily, Danielle and Jenna Riesel, mother and father-in-law, Jane and Gordon Jones, a sister-in-law, Joan Jones all of Herkimer, one brother-in-law, Steven Jones of Utica, several aunts, uncles and cousins. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law Ronald Oldfield and a cherished granddaughter Mariah Riesel. Funeral service will be on Wednesday at 10:00 am in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. The Reverend Patti Lawrence, Pastor of the First Baptist Church, Herkimer will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Tuesday (today) from 5:00 until 8:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.