Doris Riese

Doris Riese, 83, recently of Wausau, Wisconsin, and formerly of Wadena, went to be with her Savior on Sunday, August 17, 2008, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Doris was a member of St. John Lutheran Church for forty years, moving here in 1968 when her husband, Rev. Rodney W. Riese, became the congregation’s pastor.

Doris was born on May 11 ^th , 1925, in Grand Meadow, MN, to the late Ruben and Sidonia (Grams) Quandt. She married Rev. Rodney Riese on April 22, 1945, in Pleasant Valley, MN. Over the years the calling of the Lord led them to Lutheran congregations in Spring Valley, MN; Wiota, Iowa; Plainview, MN; and then to Wadena.

Doris is survived by her children, Rod (Pam) Riese of Wausau, WI, Deborah (Lee) Swain of Davenport, WA, Adele (Don) Bluhm of Wausau, WI, Jane Riese of Los Alamos, NM, Timothy Riese of Vienna, Austria, Wendie Doyle of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Gregory (Skye) Riese of Staples, MN; seventeen grandchildren; two great grandsons; son-in-law, KO Arneson; and many more extended family and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Rodney Riese, and one daughter, Susan Arneson.

Doris was a devoted and caring mother and grandmother throughout her life. She enjoyed traveling to visit her children and grandchildren and helping them to celebrate important milestones like baptisms, confirmations, and graduations. She was thankful for her many friends in the Wadena area and at St. John. For several years she worked as a ward-clerk at the Wadena hospital, enjoyed being in a bowling league, and volunteered making Braille reading material for the Lutheran Braille Society. Doris loved her Lord and Savior, and was a faithful witness to all who know her. Her encouragement to us would be based on the words of 1 Corinthians 15:57-“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Funeral services took place at 2:00 p.m., August 19 ^th , 2008, at St. John Lutheran in Wadena. Officiating pastors were Rev. Terry Finnern and the Rev. William Stockman. Burial followed in the Wadena City Cemetery. Helke Funeral Home of Wausau, WI, assisted the family with the arrangements.