Glens Falls

The Rev. Richard W. Rieger went to his eternal rest on July 9, 2017 at the age of 86. He was born in Chicago, IL April 30, 1931 to William and Alma Rieger. Rev. Rieger graduated with honors from the University of Illinois. He was called to the Gospel Ministry and entered the Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago where he graduated in 1957 with a Master’s Degree.

In the following years he served parishes in Fort Plain and Freysbush (St. Paul’s and St. John’s) Schenectady (Messiah), and Rochester (Trinity-Emmanuel). In 1988 he took a call as Founding Pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in South Glens Falls and retired in 1993 as Pastor Emeritus.

In retirement Rev. Rieger pursued his love of the natural world. He taught astronomy to children and adults and followed his passion for gardening. He was a certified Master Gardener and volunteered for the Warren County Cooperative Extension.

He is survived by his wife, Janet of 61 years and their children, James, Mark (Amy), Brian (Christine), Karla, Kristen and nine grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, July 28 from 4:00-7:00 pm at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 600 Gansevoort Road, South Glens Falls. A prayer Service will follow at the conclusion of visiting hours. A memorial service will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2850 Guilderland Avenue, Schenectady, NY on Saturday, July 29 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Rev. Rieger’s name to Lutheran World relief, 8165 W. Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631.

Arrangements are in the care of M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 136 Main Street, South Glens Falls, NY, 12803. To view Rev. Rieger's book of memories or to post online condolences, please visit kilmerfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. Richard William Rieger, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.