Richard James Riester

Richard (Dick) Riester, age 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 23, 2021. He was born on January 3, 1933, in Marion, Ohio.
Preceded in death by his wife Ruth; parents William and Agnes; brothers, Frank, Harold, Raymond, Charles and Robert.

He is survived by his children, Kathy (Gary) Vanderpool, Eric Riester, Kurt Riester (Mat Kerzee) and Kris Jackson; grandchildren, Ciarra and Alexa Jackson and Caleb Kerzee; brother, Norb (Sandy) Riester; sister-in-law, Mary (Bill) Perry; brother-in-law, Bill Strohl, and many nieces, nephews and good friends, Bob and Nancy McCune.

Dick was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather and often said "nothing is more important than your family and friends." He had an infectious laugh and a wonderful sense of humor. He was proud of his German and Irish heritage and loved telling old family stories. He enjoyed movie nights and watching Ohio State football games with his dear friend Bob.

Dick proudly served in the US Army from 1951 to 1954 as a paratrooper with the 187th Infantry Regiment in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was a graduate of The Ohio State University and loved the Buckeyes. He retired from Battelle Memorial Institute in 1995.

After a long, hard battle with cancer he is finally at peace with his beloved Ruth. The family would like to thank Ohio Health Hospice for their compassionate care and allowing them to keep their father and grandfather in his home.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 1, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Newcomer Southwest Chapel, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio, 43123. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 2, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 3730 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123. Inurnment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Lockbourne.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.newcomercolumbus.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ohio Health Hospice, 800 McConnell Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43214.