Honoring a legacy of giving: How one family keeps their father's philanthropic spirit alive

5/1/2026

When John E. Riedel passed away unexpectedly at age 90, he left behind more than memories—he left a mission. Just weeks before his death, John expressed his desire to leave his assets to charity, focusing on three communities close to his heart: his church, his El Dorado senior living community, and the broader Sun City, Ariz., area. Though he didn't have time to complete all the details, his children and grandchildren have turned his wishes into a lasting legacy that continues to touch lives today – and that led them to Banner Olive Branch Senior Center.

A foundation built on family values

John’s daughter Dianna Dahl, Co-Executive Director of the John E. Riedel Operating Foundation, reflects on how philanthropy was woven into the fabric of their upbringing. "We learned that actions through the giving of time, talents, or treasures can improve the tomorrow for others and ourselves, and that giving is not an age-dependent activity," she shared.

The Riedel family wasn't typical. John and his wife Arlis, both educators (John later became a research scientist at 3M Corp.), opened their home as a foster family, caring for 133 infants over the years and adopting two children. The children learned about charitable giving early—setting aside the first dime of their allowance for church offerings each week—and watched their father give countless hours of his time building church additions, leading Boy Scout and church programs, and preserving a YMCA canoe camp for future generations.

After John's passing, his son Paul worked with an attorney to establish a family foundation to support the three specified beneficiaries. "Unfortunately, he died unexpectedly a couple of weeks after he changed his will but before he set up the foundation, so we did not have a defined process in place for distributing the funds per his wishes," Dianna explains. The family created foundation bylaws and procedures, meeting quarterly to research, discuss, and vote on proposals that would align with John's values.

Making a difference at Banner Olive Branch Senior Center

Dianna’s research into organizations serving Sun City led her to Banner Olive Branch Senior Center. "After researching the facility and senior outreach programs, I called the director, Jennifer Lawless, explained what we were interested in doing, and she proposed a couple of programs we could help sponsor such as the monthly veterans breakfast gathering and the art program," Dianna recalls.

Monthly veterans breakfast gathering at Banner Olive Branch Senior Center. 

The connection was deeply personal and perfect, Dianna recalls. John was a veteran, making the monthly veterans gathering an ideal fit to honor his service and support fellow veterans in the community. These gatherings give veterans a meaningful opportunity to connect with one another, share experiences, and build camaraderie over coffee in a welcoming environment. The foundation's support helps ensure these important monthly meetups can continue, fostering community and recognition for those who served.

Banner Olive Branch’s art program appealed to the family as well. John's mother had attended and loved the art programs in her own senior community, making this a beautiful way to honor both John's legacy and his mother's memory. The art classes at Banner Olive Branch Senior Center provide seniors with creative outlets, opportunities for self-expression, and social engagement through artistic activities. The foundation's financial support helps make these enriching programs accessible to Sun City community members.

Art class attendees showcasing their paintings at Banner Olive Branch Senior Center. 

"Since my dad was a veteran and my dad's mom attended and loved the art programs in her senior community, the board approved the proposals and we provided financial support for the programs," Dianna explains. "We were thrilled to see the photos from these programs and to know that the programs are making a difference in the lives of Sun City Community members!"

The foundation's work reflects John's passions beautifully across all three beneficiary areas. Known as the "Flower Guy" at El Dorado for his weekly flower deliveries to residents and staff, John's love for his community lives on through continued poinsettia distributions and support for employee education and emergency assistance programs. As a trombone player, John’s love of music inspired donations to church music programs. “When Dianna and Paul reached out to Olive Branch and we learned about their father’s wishes, we were really moved,” says Banner Olive Branch Director Jennifer Lawless. 

John E. Riedel was known as the "Flower Guy" at El Dorado for his weekly flower deliveries to residents and staff. 

“With their support we now have a veterans group that meets monthly, connecting people who were isolated and offering them helpful resources as well. And, we see friendships forming within our new art program and people having great experiences creating art together. The Reidel family’s support has truly changed lives for the better, they have done an amazing job honoring their father’s legacy.“

The gift of planning ahead

Dianna's experience has taught her valuable lessons she wants to share with others: "I encourage people to talk with family members about philanthropic and charitable giving sooner rather than later; having a process and expectations in place for legacy giving can reduce the emotional burden on family."

She notes that various tools exist to fit individual preferences—specifications in a will, family foundations, charitable trusts, or donor-advised funds. "The most important thing is to discuss the wants and desires for your philanthropic legacy with your family and/or those being asked to continue your legacy."

A living memorial

Two years after John's passing, the foundation continues to keep his memory alive in the most meaningful way. "Every quarter we are reminded of his generosity, passions, and preferences when we discuss and vote on the various proposals that we collectively research and bring for discussion," Dianna reflects.

She leaves us with a powerful question: "Philanthropy is learned and can be contagious; it is a great generational legacy. My question to others would be how do you want to be remembered?"

Your legacy awaits

The Riedel family's story demonstrates that with thoughtful planning and open communication, your charitable wishes can create ripples of positive change long after you're gone. Whether it's supporting veterans, fostering the arts, or addressing needs in your own community, taking time now to discuss and document your philanthropic intentions ensures your values will continue to make a difference.

What moves you? What legacy do you want to leave? The time to plan is now—so that tomorrow, your generosity can continue touching lives, just as John Riedel's does today.

To begin that conversation, please contact: Emily Leva, MSW, CAP ®, Chief Development Officer, Planned Giving & Academic Delivery - Phoenix by filling out our contact us form here.