Reverend Joel Riley

On Sunday, December 9, 2018 at approximately 5am, Joel changed his address to Heaven.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 1pm on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Grace Bible Fellowship, 1535 – 36th Ave, Moline, IL.         Reverend Joel’s son, Reverend Matthew Riley will lead the service.  Memorials may be made to Alongside Ministries or to the church.

Joel James Riley was born November 6, 1945 in Davenport, the son of William and Blanche (Murray) Riley.  He was united in marriage to Sherri Seydel. They have celebrated 55 years of marriage.  She survives him.

He earned his BSE from Truman University, Masters in both School Administration and Mathematics from Western University, and Certificate of Theology from Kansas City College and Bible School.  While he held many degrees and taught, Joel’s real passion was pastoring for over 40 years and preaching the Gospel to the lost.

In earlier years he had been a tool and die maker before beginning his professional career as a mathematics teacher and professor at Bradley University and later at Blackhawk College from which he retired.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and preaching.  In later years, he enjoyed sitting on the sunporch and watching the river, which flowed by his home.  He was selfless, kind and always put others first.

Those left to honor his memory include his beloved wife Sherri; children and their spouses Mark (Elizabeth) Riley, Davenport, Milisa (Al) Shelton, West Des Moines, Rev. Matthew (Katie) Riley, Pontivy, France; grandchildren Maria, Molly, William, Robert, Ethan, Micah, Ella, Annalise, Sophia; great granddaughters Caroline and Cora; sisters Judy (John) McCarty, Wichita, KS, Becky (Ron) Barr, Farmer City, IL, and Rachel (Harry) Halliday, Monticello, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister Sarah.  May they rest in peace.