The Life of Lester W. Riegel Sr.
Lester W. Riegel, Sr. passed away Wednesday, May 24 while a resident of Seton Manor Nursing Home.
Lester was born on November 25, 1940 in West Brunswick Township to the late Lester and Jennie Shappel Riegel.
Lester was married to Elaine Kershaw Riegel for 45 years, she predeceased him in 2011 and together they had a son, Lester “Duke” W. Riegel, Jr., who passed away in December of 2019.
As a young man, Lester enjoyed horseback riding, giving riding lessons and leading horse-riding excursions. It was during that time that he met his wife, Elaine. They enjoyed horseback riding, camping, and taking care of their small family farm. Lester was also an employee of the Walk-In Shoe company in Schuylkill Haven, from which he retired.
In his retirement, Lester enjoyed camping with his wife and son, traveling to Gettysburg, Rosemount Camping Resort and Altoona, PA amongst other places. They also did a great deal of camping with friends from ARC of Schuylkill Co. with their son, Duke. After Elaine’s passing Lester enjoyed spending time with and caring for his son, Duke. He also enjoyed raising chickens, gardening, and mowing grass. One of his greatest joys was sharing the eggs from his chickens and the produce of his garden with his friends. Lester also enjoyed mowing his lawn and also mowing for others who needed his assistance.
In addition to his parents, wife, and son, Lester is preceded in death by his brother Arlington Riegel.
Lester is survived by his siblings; Earl Riegel, Dorothy Bickelman, Clyde Riegel, Ada Wollyoung, Bonnie Hrichak, and Catherine Blatt. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
The Riegel family were faithful members of First United Methodist Church, Schuylkill Haven.
Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church on Thursday, June 1. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. services at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven immediately following the church service. A light lunch will follow at the church. Grabowski Funeral Home, Schuylkill Haven is entrusted with the services.
Memorial gifts in Lester’s honor may be made to Hillside SPCA, 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, PA 17901.