James K. Ristau

James Kevin Ristau, 55, of Ft. Riley, Kan., passed away Jan. 28, 2012. He served in the U.S. Air Force during Desert Storm, in the Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan and was a retired U.S. Air Force MSgt and a flight engineer for commercial airlines. He was raised in Utica, Ill., moving with his family to Huntington Beach, Ca. and graduating from Fountain Valley High School in 1975, enlisting in the U.S. Air Force right after. He served eight years before enlisting in the Active Reserve and completing his education ay Emery Riddle Aeronautical University here he got his degree in aeronautical engineering. He retired from the U.S. Air Force/Active Reserve after 33 years and also flew commercial for 26 years with Western Airlines for two years, Delta for three years, and World Air for 21 years and then retired. He married Merlinda Mendoza from the Philippines, the love of his life, Dec. 31, 1987. He was preceded in death by father, Raymond Ristau; brother, Robert Ristau; and stepfather, Tom Hosey. He is survived by wife, Merlinda; daughters, Cherry (Bret) Galdieri and Christine Ristau from N. Las Vegas; and son, Pvt. Patrick Ristau of Ft. Riley, Kan.; mother, Barbara Hosey and brother, William Ristau, both of Ft. Mohave, Ariz. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 1:20 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, at Bunkers Mortuary, 925 Las Vegas Blvd. N. Funeral services will be at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Buchanan Blvd., Boulder City. Graveside rites will follow.

---