Melissa Ristau

Melissa "Lis" Ristau, 65, of Fort Dodge, passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2021. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, June 20, 2021 at Rides Bar and Grill Event Center in Fort Dodge. The family encourages attendees to wear Iowa State or Fort Dodge Dodger attire to support the teams Lis loved. Lis is survived by her husband, Dave; son, Charlie (Ashley) Ristau; daughter, Dianna (Melody) Kosobucki; sister, Amanda (Blair) Redenius; sisters-in-law, Susie Hefty, Connie Ristau and Carol (Pete) Easterhaus; nephews, Nick (Krissy) Redenius and Andy (Kiley) Hefty; nieces, Alex (Matt) Engelhardt and Allison (Curtis) Summers; grand nieces and nephews, Kim Easterhaus, Scott (Jackie) Easterhaus, Gina Cook, and Laura (Mike) Schiek; and a number of grand fur babies. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Billee (Ramsay) Gadient; mother and father-in-law, Harold and Martha Ristau; and 2 brother-in-laws, Daryl Ristau and Denny Hefty. Melissa Gadient was born December 16, 1955 in Mason City. She attended area schools and graduated from Newman High School in 1974. She then attended NIACC for a short period of time and graduated from Iowa State with her Bachelor's in Education. She went on to earn her Master's in Special Education from Iowa State and an Administrative Degree from BVU. On March 29, 1980 she was united in marriage to Dave Ristau at St. Patrick's in Clear Lake. The couple made their home in Duncan. She taught at St. Benedict's for a year and then spent a few years teaching special education in Mason City. She taught at Bryant schools until 1986 before moving into a position with the Northern Trails AEA where she spent 15 years. The family then moved to Fort Dodge in 2001 and Lis began working for the Fort Dodge Public School System. She spent 2 years as the principal at Hillcrest Elementary and 2 years as the principal at Riverside Early Learning Center before becoming the Director of Special Education for the district. After retiring from this position, she just couldn't be without all her kiddos and took on the substitute principal role at Community Christian School where she also led the Prides and CARES programs. Lis always lit up a room with her smile all while toting some kind of treat she always had along. Her enthusiasm and charisma were contagious to anyone she spoke with and especially while she led the Special Olympics. Without the use of a megaphone, she would yell "Are you ready?!" to fire up the athletes. She touched so many lives; meeting everyone with a warmth beyond measure. You couldn't help but feel loved and special with her in your corner. She loved to garden and feed the neighborhood birds. She was extremely proud of her backyard pool. Lis enjoyed bowling and golfing. She loved to dance and even won the end of the year dance off at the school with her cool moves. In addition, to being a principal and educator, Lis was passionate about rescuing animals. She saved and fed countless dogs and cats throughout her life. She never turned away anyone in need. She was a voice for numerous children throughout her career and will be truly missed by all her knew her. Memorials may be left to the Almost Home Animal Shelter at 725 South 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501. Celebration Of Life Sun, Jun 20, 2021 at 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Rides Banquet Center 723 South 31st. Street Fort Dodge, IA 50501