News Summary
Dodgeville is mourning the loss of 22-year-old Navy veteran Riley Ashton Herlevich, who passed away after a brief illness. Surrounded by family, Riley’s legacy of military service and active lifestyle touched many in the community. His family thanks those who supported them during his illness and has announced memorial arrangements.
Dodgeville Mourns the Passing of Navy Veteran Riley Ashton Herlevich
Riley Ashton Herlevich, a 22-year-old Navy veteran from Dodgeville, passed away on May 20, 2025, at UP Health System – Marquette Hospital after a brief illness. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Born on March 14, 2003, in Huntington, West Virginia, Riley was the cherished son of Jon and Cheryl (Bredekamp) Herlevich, who currently reside in Atlantic Mine. Riley is also survived by his siblings, Eliot Herlevich from Atlantic Mine, and Paige Herlevich-Riede and Rick Riede from Portsmouth, Virginia. He leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of his grandparents, Marge and David Bredekamp from Noblesville, Indiana, Mary Moilanen (Herlevich) from Hubbell, and Jon Herlevich from Dodgeville. His family includes several aunts and uncles who held a special place in his life.
A Life of Accomplishment and Service
Riley’s education began at Moraine Elementary in Northville, Michigan, and continued through Archbishop McNicholas High School and Guardian Angels School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from Peters Township High School in McMurray, Pennsylvania.
Riley served his country in the U.S. Navy, where he achieved the rank of E-6 Initial Maintenance Technician stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After his honorable service, Riley relocated to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to support his family.
Riley was known for his active lifestyle, finding joy in fishing, exercising, and participating in the local veteran community. He was also an excellent hockey goalie, often sharing his passion for the sport with others. Recently, he expressed a desire to travel more and spend quality time with his beloved cat, Sammy.
Community Support and Acknowledgments
The Herlevich family has expressed their heartfelt gratitude to friends, family, and community members who provided support, prayers, and assistance during Riley’s illness. They particularly thanked the parishioners from St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Northern Michigan University campus ministry, and Brenham Presbyterian Church in Texas for their kindness and support.
The family further recognized the medical professionals who provided care for Riley at home, assisted during life flight, and those who supported him at the hospital in Marquette. With deep appreciation, they acknowledged the importance of their experiences with Riley, hoping he continues to be looked after.
Memorial Arrangements
In honor of Riley’s life, a private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ignatius Catholic Church on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 11 a.m. This service will be livestreamed, allowing extended friends and family to participate in the remembrance. Following the Mass, Riley will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery with Military Honors, conducted by the Copper Country Veterans Association.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the American Cancer Society, organizations close to Riley’s heart. Online condolences can be shared through the Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service website.
All arrangements are being handled by the Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Mining Gazette: Riley Herlevich Obituary
- Wikipedia: Navy
- Legacy.com: Rosemary Manderfield Obituary
- Google Search: Veterans Memorial Services
- Mining Gazette: Obituaries Section
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veteran
