Obituary of Laurel Keith Ridnour

Laurel and Brenda Ridnour were united in marriage at the First Christian Church at Clarinda in the summer of 1987. To this union, they were blessed with twin boys, Nathan and Mathew. Laurel was born on October 26, 1963, in Clarinda, Iowa to “Red” Almon Keith Ridnour and Patricia Ann Ridnour (Jamison). Brenda Ridnour (Strange) was born on July 2, 1963, to Floyd Lee and Donna Vee Strange (Stokes) in Shenandoah, Iowa.

Laurel or also known to his friends as “Red” was always into anything mechanical, especially cars. He worked at various part stores, used auto parts yards, or scrapping on his own for his entire working life. He worked for Snyders Auto, Napa in Clarinda and Shenandoah, then worked for Shore Motor Company where he retired for health reasons. Laurel very much enjoyed auto racing, especially local dirt track racing in the area. He helped on several pit crews over the years and loved every second. Laurel also had a passion for scraping metal; he enjoyed the hunt for junk and finding possibly that one hidden treasure in a pile of scrap metal. He would often share his treasures with others he thought might be able to use it. He would often stop by his brother Larry’s house with his newfound treasures if he thought Larry could possibly ever use it and leave it either announced or just leave it as a surprise. Laurel was the unofficial king of the dollar box at local auctions and would get a hard time for it, but he didn’t care. Laurel would often buy a huge box of items for a dollar just because he saw one thing he might want, or to drive Brenda crazy, probably both. He always figured he could sell the rest, someone else could use it, or just keep the rest of what was in the box because he might need it at some point. Of all the things above that brought him joy in life, one of his biggest joys was when his two boys were born. He was a very proud Dad and would talk about them often. When he was out and about, Mathew was almost always right behind him or in front of him and Laurel was chasing him down, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. More recently, Nathan took on the role of being dad’s right-hand man, and they would scrap metal all over the area. He was also very proud to be a grandpa. No matter where the conversation was, he would always bring mention of the grandkids and what they were up to. Laurel very much enjoyed his friends and family, whether it was working, playing, talking, or giving each other a hard time.

Brenda was a quiet and reserved person and found joy in her family and close friends. She also enjoyed the challenge of keeping Laurel in line, which she would describe as a full-time job. Brenda enjoyed family gatherings, especially for the holidays, and was always up for a game of cards and a cup of coffee. She always enjoyed the daily coffee sessions with her family over the years. Brenda worked at Wal-Mart in Shenandoah for 30+ years in various positions over the years. Most recently, she was a manager in the Bakery. Brenda loved being a mother and wherever she was, Nathan was sure to be with her. She enjoyed being a grandma and watching the kids grow up.

Laurel and Brenda had a one-of-a-kind special relationship that lasted a lifetime, and they will now be together for all time. They truly enjoyed each other, their family, and friends.

Laurel is preceded in death by his parents. Brenda is preceded in death by her mother. Those left to cherish their memory are their twin boys Nathan and Mathew, grandchildren Bentley, Bexleigh, and Buckley, Laurel’s brother Larry and wife Evelyn, several nieces and nephews, Brenda’s father Floyd, siblings Jackie, Sherry, Linda, Boyd, and Dale.