April 10, 2025 at 7:35 a.m.
Robert Risk, 87, Columbus
By Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home
Robert L. Risk, the last surviving member of the 1955 Columbus High School Bulldog basketball team, passed away April 8, 2025
This amazing man who touched so many lives and helped so many of our friends is gone. We know he is with our momma, Bonnie, his parents, and siblings. He was the last man standing there as well. He is in Heaven showing off the sweet jump shot he had in his youth.
We lost our hero and our best friend that night.
Dad was born October 12, 1937 to Roy and Edna Armuth Risk. He married Bonnie Pruitt, and together they have 3 children, Eric L. Risk of Greenwood; daughters, Renee (Scott) Strietelmeier of Hope and Rhonda (Doug) Brown of Indianapolis as well as a grandson Jacob Strietelmeier. He was preceded in death by his wife on January 24, 2016, his parents, as well as his siblings Ed Risk, Linda Day, and James Risk.
Robert was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Clifty. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and mushroom hunting. Most of all, Robert loved spending time with his grandson, listening to him play the piano. He was founder and owner of Risk Electric for over 50 years. While finishing his time in high school, he was offered a college scholarship to Tulane University. He was also offered a contract to play professional baseball, which he turned down to attend college.
A funeral service celebrating dad’s life will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Clifty with Pastor Doug Bauman officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of services Saturday. A meal will immediately follow the service. He will be laid to rest next to his wife at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Robert may do so to Extending Christ’s Love through St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Clifty.
Goodbye Dad. Thank you for everything you taught us in life and for always being there for all of us and our friends. You never quite have to grow up when you have parents to always fall back on. It is a very lonely feeling when they both are gone. Thank you to all those who have reached out to us.
