Annette Riskey

Annette Doris Mae Lessard Riskey, 87, of Warsaw, ND died Thursday, November 5, 2015, at her home. Annette was born July 13, 1928 in Oakwood, ND, the daughter of Joseph E. and Alphonsine (Lefebvre) Lessard. She was reared on the family farm north of Oakwood and educated at St. Aloysius Academy. She was united in marriage to Gilbert Riskey on November 11, 1948 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oakwood. They made their home on the Riskey family farm southeast of Warsaw, ND where they raised their family of six sons. Annette was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church where she was a Eucharistic Minister, past President of the Altar Society, and an active member of the choir. She worked for Walsh County Social Services as a home health aide. She was a member of the Country Gals Homemaking Club for 50 years, an American Legion Auxiliary member, and involved in 4-H. In 1980, Annette and her husband were instrumental in forming the ND Chapter of Polka Lovers Klub of America (Po.L.K. of A). Together they served as the first President and Secretary and the first King and Queen of the chapter and attended many Polka festivals in the upper Midwest and Canada. Annette enjoyed many hobbies including sewing, gardening, reading, cooking, and P.N.A. Dancing. Annette was the first member to enroll in the Choice Fitness Silver Sneakers where she was recently nominated for the National Richard L. Swanson award for most inspirational person. Annette was an amazing woman who lived with faith and family as the cornerstone of her daily life. She had a gentle soul and was young at heart. She had a great sense of humor and saw the best in everyone. She was very proud of her home and her large family. She enjoyed having visitors to the farm and giving tours of the house and yard. Her parting phrase was always "come again sometimes". Annette loved attending family events to celebrate birthdays, baptisms, weddings, etc. She was patient, understanding, and compassionate. She had a caring demeanor and was very thoughtful of others. She is survived by sons: Rodney (Lorraine) Riskey of Warsaw, ND, Randy (Lesli) Riskey of Grand Forks, ND, John (Kristine) Riskey of Minto, ND, and Jeff (Mary) Riskey of Chaska, MN; daughter-in-law, Sharon Graves of Minto, ND; 21 grandchildren: Robert (Karen), Raeann, Ryan (Gwen), Robbyne (Jared), Rachel (Travis), Joe (Renee), Jeramie (Kayleen), Dustin (Jess), Brittany (Trevor), Nathan (Sara), Nicole (Draper), Laurie, Tony, Amber, Ashlie, Michael (Keeley), Becky (Luke), Breanna (Jimmy), Brock (Megan), Jennifer and Danny; 45 great grand-children: Tyler, Tatiana, Karson, Zachary, Caleb, Ellison, Addilyn, Jaryne, Isabella, Lucia, Jaxon, Claudia, Clare, Joseph, Deziree, Dominic, Damian, Gianna, JR, Sophia, Julia, Jayse, Lydia, Stella, Kate, Ezra, Jola, Penelope, Hannah, Haley, Julian, Josie, Carmen, Chloe, Cora, Ayden, Becton, Spencer, Gillian, Violet, Matthew, Honesty, Tucker, Gabriella, Emberly; 1 great great grandchild, Scarlet; twin sister, Anna (Earl) Mondry of Minto, ND; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gilbert; sons: Joseph and Robert; daughter, Rebecca; brothers: Richard, Daniel and Eugene; and sisters: Verna Gourde, Vernette Gallagher, Beatrice Kasprick, Rita Raphael, Marie Rose and Mary Helen. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, November 9, 2015 at 10;30 A.M. at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church of Warsaw. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Friends may also call at the church on Monday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the church cemetery.