Arthur 'Art' Riedinger, Jr., 82

Arthur Louis Riedinger Jr., a beloved Vietnam veteran and truck driver for 62 years, passed away peacefully at 82. Art was a man of great strength, resilience, and dedicated to his country and family. Born with a spirit of service, he proudly served in the Vietnam War, where he earned the respect of his comrades through his bravery and commitment.

After returning home from Vietnam, Art found a new calling as a commercial truck driver. This profession that allowed him to see the country he had fought for while providing for his family. His work ethic, dependability, and sense of adventure made him a well-respected figure in the trucking community.           

Beyond his professional life, Art was a devoted family man and a friend to many. He had a warm smile, a hearty laugh, and a love for telling stories of his time in the military and his travels across America. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with loved ones, sharing meals, and passing down his wisdom.

Art of Prosser, Washington. Passed away on Oct. 23, 2024, at his home; with his daughter Thailia and his loving wife Mary of 42 years by his side; from a rare blood cancer.

Born Nove. 30, 1941, in St. Paul, Minnesota and reared in Kalispell. He joined the Marines Corp in 1959 fought in Vietnam and served six years. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. On April 7, 1984, he married Mary O’Brien in Anchorage, Alaska. Moved to Prosser with his wife in 2005.

Art was an owner/operator of Art’s Truck & Equipment in Anchorage, Alaska. When he moved his family to Washington State in 1991, he opened his last trucking business A.M.T International, Inc., where he retired in March 2019. 

Survivors include his wife Mary of Prosser, Washington; a son Michael Todd Riedinger (Ruth) of Japan; and a daughter Thailia (Joe) Johnson of Spanaway, Washington. Grandchildren, Meagan and Luke Johnson, and Gabriella Riedinger; and a sister Patti Swanberg of Smithfield, Utah.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, JoAnne Oftedahl and Bonnie Riedinger; and two brothers, Richard Riedinger and Michael Riedinger. His brothers-in-law were, Theodore Swanberg and Melvin Oftedahl, and his sister-in-law was Melanie Riedinger.

There will be no funeral or memorial services per Art. 

Art Riedinger’s spirit will forever ride with the wind, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Rest in peace, Art. Semper Fi.