1951
Steven
2013
Steven Riel
May 26, 1951 — January 6, 2013
Steven Edward Riel, 61, of Minneapolis, MN, passed away Sunday January 6, 2013 at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Steven was born May 26, 1951 in Teaneck, N.J., to Theodore and Althea (Dorrbecker) Riel.
Steven leaves his brother Jeff Riel and wife, Cathleen Riel, of Mission KS, and their children Stacy Weible of Overland Park, KS, Melissa Dunham of Tulsa, OK, Matthew Whitesell of Lawrence, KS, and numerous cousins.
Steven graduated from Shawnee Mission West HS in 1969, and earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas in 1973. While attending KU, he filled a variety of editing roles at the University Daily Kansan. Upon graduation, Steven began his career in the newspaper business as a Copy Editor at the Kansas City Star, and was named Assistant Copy Chief in Feb 1975. In 1976, he was appointed Copy Chief of a special desk formed during the Republican Nat'l Convention in Kansas City.
In 1977, Steven relocated to Minneapolis MN, where he continued his editing career. He joined the Minneapolis Tribune in July 1977 as a copy editor, moved on to wire editing -- business and world news -- and later led the desk for national, Washington and world news for many years. He carried his passion for world events on his travels to Europe, Mexico, Egypt, and beyond.
He was determined to keep Star Tribune readers abreast of international twists and turns, helping shape coverage of many of the biggest news stories -- from the Sept. 11 attacks to the Arab Spring to the killing of Osama bin Laden -- over the past three decades. He loved music, culture and a witty pun. He was a brilliant headline writer and passionate newsman. He cared deeply about stories and telling them well. In July, Steven was recognized for 35 years of service.
Despite being very ill on Election Day, Steve pushed himself to get out and vote, and he said he was particularly gratified to take a stand on Minnesota's 2012 ballot.
A private family memorial service will be held in Overland Park KS, on Thursday, January 10th.
A celebration of Steven's life with his many friends and colleagues will take place in Minneapolis, MN, at a date to be announced later.
Steven was born May 26, 1951 in Teaneck, N.J., to Theodore and Althea (Dorrbecker) Riel.
Steven leaves his brother Jeff Riel and wife, Cathleen Riel, of Mission KS, and their children Stacy Weible of Overland Park, KS, Melissa Dunham of Tulsa, OK, Matthew Whitesell of Lawrence, KS, and numerous cousins.
Steven graduated from Shawnee Mission West HS in 1969, and earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas in 1973. While attending KU, he filled a variety of editing roles at the University Daily Kansan. Upon graduation, Steven began his career in the newspaper business as a Copy Editor at the Kansas City Star, and was named Assistant Copy Chief in Feb 1975. In 1976, he was appointed Copy Chief of a special desk formed during the Republican Nat'l Convention in Kansas City.
In 1977, Steven relocated to Minneapolis MN, where he continued his editing career. He joined the Minneapolis Tribune in July 1977 as a copy editor, moved on to wire editing -- business and world news -- and later led the desk for national, Washington and world news for many years. He carried his passion for world events on his travels to Europe, Mexico, Egypt, and beyond.
He was determined to keep Star Tribune readers abreast of international twists and turns, helping shape coverage of many of the biggest news stories -- from the Sept. 11 attacks to the Arab Spring to the killing of Osama bin Laden -- over the past three decades. He loved music, culture and a witty pun. He was a brilliant headline writer and passionate newsman. He cared deeply about stories and telling them well. In July, Steven was recognized for 35 years of service.
Despite being very ill on Election Day, Steve pushed himself to get out and vote, and he said he was particularly gratified to take a stand on Minnesota's 2012 ballot.
A private family memorial service will be held in Overland Park KS, on Thursday, January 10th.
A celebration of Steven's life with his many friends and colleagues will take place in Minneapolis, MN, at a date to be announced later.
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