Obituary of LeRoy Drews Riska

Just one month short of their 75th Wedding Anniversary, LeRoy Drews Riska passed away on January 14, 2018. He was born on June 22, 1922 in Draper, Utah to Mathias John and Louise Wilhelmina Drews Riska. He was the youngest of their four children.

Roy grew up in Draper, Utah, graduating from Jordan High School. Roy served in the army during World War II. On February 20, 1943 while home on leave, he married his sweetheart, Norma Hunter Riska in the Salt Lake Temple.

Roy worked as an Assayer for the Midvale Smelter, and later for Kennecott Copper on their University of Utah Campus. When he retired from Kennecott he decided to return to school at the University of Utah, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography.

Roy was active in the LDS Church, serving in many positions, including Bishop, High Councilman, and 2 Stake Presidencies. Roy and Norma served a mission in the Honolulu, Hawaii Mission Office from June 1989 to December 1990. Roy was a Docent at the Church Museum for 20 years, a calling he dearly loved.

Roy is survived by his loving wife, Norma and a daughter Nicolene Riska Turnbow (Parley). He is preceded in death by their son, Ryan Hunter Riska. At his passing he had 11 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Von Welch for his kindness and loving care, and the many others who have taken care of Roy over the last few years.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at the LDS Church located at 11162 North Alpine Highway, Highland, Utah, with a viewing from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. prior to the funeral.