Bryan Douglas Riffel

Bryan was born to Kaylene (Miller) and Thomas Riffel in Junction City, Kansas, on May 7, 1965. Bryan had a zest for life and loved socializing at family parties. He was always the first in the buffet line, which was a fun family joke he enjoyed being ribbed about. He loved living in Lawrence and supporting KU and K-State basketball. He really enjoyed the Royals and followed baseball right up to his last day. He also enjoyed music so much that our neighbors reported his end of the house rocked when we pulled out of the driveway when he was a teenager. In his early years, he went to many concerts and always bought a T-shirt. We had a quilt made from many of his t-shirts that he loved sharing with visitors. Despite not having the use of his arms, he figured out how to order CDs from the library, and he spent many hours listening to music and rocking the northeast corner of the nursing home.

Bryan worked for the Federal Reserve Bank for many years. His favorite job, however, was caring for an adult with disabilities (JT Turnbull), and they became fast friends. He later worked for Mainstreet Credit Union for a few years before his Multiple Sclerosis made it difficult to work. His housemate, Mark Vusich, helped him remain independent much longer than others in his condition, and his family is forever grateful for Mark’s friendship and support. Bryan had great faith, and his family is grateful to his core group from Redeemer Presbyterian Church, who came and organized Bible studies with him at the nursing home.

He looked forward to visits. His walls were covered with pictures of friends and family and drawings from his niece and nephew. We are grateful to Ignite Medical Resort and Faith Hospice. Tasha Miller with Faith Hospice was a welcome visitor to Bryan, and he looked forward to seeing her each week. She was vital to Bryan’s comfort in his final weeks.

Bryan was preceded in death by his bonus father, Kenny Miller; grandparents Oscar and Esther Liston; Rhiney and Doris Riffel; and bonus grandparents, Mel and Deloris Warford.

He leaves behind his mother, Kaylene Miller (Kenny, deceased); his father, Thomas Riffel (Laura); his sister, Jessica (Scott) Eggleston; his brother, Brandon (Hattie) Riffel; and his nieces and nephews, Veronica and Thomas Eggleston, and Annie Riffel. He also leaves behind his brothers and sisters, Mike (Carrie) Miller, Brenda Moorman, Kelly (Raylene) Miller, and Claudia Nelson. He leaves behind beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins, especially Dave Langvardt, Mike (Theresa) Langvardt, and Lisa (Scott) Winchell, who brought him much joy growing up and over the years. He leaves behind many other relatives and friends who brought him happiness.

We are grateful to everyone who kept in touch with him and kept him connected to the world. If you feel inclined, please consider donating to Multiple Sclerosis research. No funeral is planned as we will have a “Celebration of Bryan’s Life.” in a few months.