Ronald D. Rieger, 78, of Lakewood died May 5, 2026 of natural causes.

Ron is a U.S. Army Veteran who served in the Vietnam War and was active with the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery as it opened in the early 2000s. Ron was a life-long Catholic, he was a football player and 1967 graduate of Joseph High School in Dover.

Ron loved good jokes, cats, golf, bowling, watching football, reading spy novels, and watching the ships on Lake Erie outside his windows. Ron didn't need a lot of fuss—just a book to read, a game to watch, and the people he loved. He’ll be remembered for his easygoing nature and quiet strength. Family always looked forward to receiving hilarious and usually inappropriate birthday cards.

He is survived by three children, Michelle Rieger (Jason Guello), Donald (Beth) Rieger, and Susan (Carl) Conrad; six grandchildren, Lauryssa Rieger, Joel Farmer, Leo Rieger, Eleanor Rieger, Maiori Conrad, and Lucia Conrad; two great-grandchildren, Sebastian and Sterling Powell; a sister, Nancy (Jim) Troyer; and a niece, Sybil Dundon.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Irma Rieger.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Monday, May 11, 2026 from 9 to 11 a.m. Father Jeff Coning will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial in Sacred Heart Church beginning at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow the mass in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia where the New Philadelphia VFW Post #1445 will render military honors.

Memorial contributions in Ron’s memory may be directed to either Sacred Heart Church, 139 3rd NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, 9500 Sweet Valley Dr., Valley View, OH 44125.

*Lovingly written by Ron's family