Paul F. Rieman
July 26, 1942 — January 24, 2024
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Service Details
Paul F. Rieman, age 81, peacefully passed away on January 24, 2024, leaving his many friends and family to celebrate his well-lived life. He was the son of Charles Franklin Rieman and Dorothy West-Rieman. Paul grew up on the family farm on N.E. Broadway in rural Polk County, Ia. As an East High graduate, he never forgot the school motto “In Service to Humanity” which is how he lived his life.
When his parents started their music instrument repair facility in the family garage, he joined in as an enthusiastic teenager. As the years passed, the business evolved into a multi-location, full service music retail and institutional sales company under his leadership as President and CEO. Paul was an excellent salesman and developed loyal relationships with band directors, vendors, parent booster clubs, national as well as local music entertainers, legislators, and customers, along with everyone he ever met.
During the Vietnam war Paul served in the Army as a Medical Equipment repairman based at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver, Colorado and on flights that carried wounded from the war zone. In 1963 Paul married JoAnne Ruble and later in life, together, they adopted three boys in Costa Rica. The boys were raised at their home in N.E. Des Moines, until their parents’ divorce in 2000.
Beyond his business interests, Paul made many trips to Japan as a consultant to Yamaha. Paul was a strong advocate for private and public education funding at the state and national level. He served as co-founder and Vice President of “Our Primary Purpose”, a drug and alcohol treatment facility for young people, as well as serving many years as a board member of Rock in Prevention.
For 46 years, Paul was a member of the “Friends of Bill W”. He felt privileged to serve as a mentor and friend to those who follow this path to serenity and service to others.
In 2002, Paul married his high school friend, Judy Dart Murrow, and they semi-retired to their home at Thunderhead in Northern Missouri, as well as fishing adventures in Canada, Alaska and the Alabama Gulf Coast.
In 2012, Paul sold his ownership in Rieman Music to his sister, Pam Donahue and retired full time to his Lake home. In 2022, after a series of physical and medical challenges, he moved to Prairie Vista Village in Altoona for 24-hour care.
Paul was preceded in passing by his mother, Dorothy, his father, Frank Rieman and his son, Michael. He is survived by his wife, Judy, son, Hansel (Jessica) Rieman, of Knoxville, Tennessee, son, Nelson of Raleigh, N.C., sister Pam (Mike) Donahue in West Des Moines, Niece Brandy and Nephew, Mike Donahue Jr, also of Des Moines as well as 4 grandchildren.
Paul had a special close relationship with Judy’s nephew, Brian (Christine) Dart of Atlanta, Georgia. The family wishes to thank Brian for his continued presence and support during Paul’s final illness.
Paul requested cremation followed by a “Life Celebration” to be held on
Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 1 PM CST, at Hamilton Funeral Home, 121 NW 60th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the “Paul Rieman Memorial Scholarship Fund”, ℅ Vision Bank, 502 8th Street SW, Altoona, IA 50009.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com
Katherine Tolson
02/12/2024
The music store . Joanne iam do sorry. (I worked with Joanne at EDMUNDS A ACADEMY OF FIBE ARTS..1987..REST IN PEACE.
Annette Gullion
02/10/2024
Sorry for your loss Judy. I didnt know Paul very well but when I seen him walking around the Villas I knew he would stop and say a kind word. Remember the good times you had with him.
JamIe Morrison
02/09/2024
My condolences go out to all the family. Paul gave me a shot as a new kid in instrument repair 20 years ago. When I met him at my interview he was dressed in his overalls, drinking a coffee. I knew instantly, this was an interesting man who I needed to work for. I pestered him for a couple more years and then he finally found me a place in the company. Forever grateful to him for that, as he gave me a place to do what I love, and raise a family of my own.
Larry Brandstetter
02/07/2024
Paul's life was one of SERVICE. When the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education was in its infancy, Paul's constant guidance was key to our success. His work to make connections with Iowa legislators provided huge benefits. When IAAE had few funds, Paul used his postage meter to send hundreds of mailings. (pre-internet) Paul served on the first board of directors and many Saturday meetings were held at Rieman Music to save rental costs. When the board was going to make a decision that had implications that were not realized, Paul gave his quiet rational for not going in that direction. He would asked probing questions. We listened and stayed off the rocks. Now, nearly 50 years later, arts education owes Paul our deepest appreciation for his dedication to serving all of the arts in our schools for all our students. SERVICE to a new arts education support organization.
15 years ago when the Wilson PAC in Red Oak was going to purchase a Steinway grand piano, Paul's influence was instrumental in our process. He saved us thousands of dollars and provided solid advice that made the purchase process so stress free. SERVICE to an new performing art organization.
I am forever in his debt for what he did for the Wilson PAC. When we formed a new orchestra, Paul and Judy came to Red Oak to personally guide our new student players in the selection of just the right instrument. SERVICE to a new orchestra.
When you were a friend of Paul, you knew it. He never forgot that friendship was important.
"if you don't get a shingles shot, I will call you every week until you get one." SERVICE to friendship.
Paul's dedication to SERVICE will be a capstone to the arts in all forms. His business was instrumental music. His passion was for all the arts. Blessings Judy.
Linda Pitt
02/06/2024
Judi, I am so very sorry to hear of Pauls passing. I know he will be greatly missed. His obituary was so interesting. He had a wonderful, productive life.
Jodie Butler
02/05/2024
Paul was one of the initial board members of the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education, a statewide umbrella organization dedicated to preserving fine arts education in Iowa schools including music, dance, theatre and the visual arts that was launched in the late 1980s after the farm crisis and numerous cuts to public school arts programs.
As its first executive director, I benefitted from his guidance and his support as we worked throughout the state, and under the golden dome, to maintain educational programming that was not always appreciated as a major learning benefit to students. As insights from neuroscience have shown that arts education can play additional important roles in how children learn and master complex skills, improve communication and teamwork, and develop creative problem-solving, his commitment and support reached thousands of educators and learners in Iowa.
Paul was instrumental in our organizations success and had a major impact on the quality of childrens lives with Rieman music and with his generosity. Teachers and students alike, many of whom never knew him, have been touched by his legacy. May he rest in peace and may all those who knew him, know about his significant contributions to arts education in Iowa.
With gratitude to his family and to Paul for his dedication and service.
Sincerely,
Jodie Butler
Dr. Paul E.Rider, Sr
02/04/2024
My condolences to Paul's family and friends. We were second cousins. While I was ahead of him at East Des Moines High School, we had a good friendship and appreciated our family connection. Our mutual great-grandfather, Franklin Rieman was a Civil War hero and Paul was active in recognizing his life and contributions to that war. Franklin Rieman was one of the first ambulance wagon drivers, and Paul played a similar role in tending to wounded and deceased soldiers for the Vietnam War.
As a lifetime musician I was proud that Paul carried on the banner of Rieman Music and made it the top music outlet in Iowa. My musician friends are well-aware of the role it played in supplying instruments and musical supplies to schools and the community in general. RIP cousin, you made a difference.
Donna Uttecht Adams
02/01/2024
I worked at Rieman Music as I was transitioning into my career as a teacher. Frank, Dorothy and Paul graciously adjusted my work schedule to fit into my teaching schedule. They were dedicated workers to their clients and employees. Blessings to the Rieman family.
Ruthann Jarrett
01/30/2024
Judy
So sorry about your loss - you are in my thoughts and prayers.