Stewart Riegel

By | January 5, 2021

Lifelong Jackson resident and well known businessman Stewart Riegel (92) died Jan. 3, 2021 at Fours Winds in Jackson from complications of COVID.  Stewart was born Dec. 14, 1928 in Jackson to Ruth (Deemer) Riegel and Robert Riegel.

Stewart is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patricia (Evans) Riegel; daughter Brenda (Joel) Goodnough; son, Mark (Mary) Riegel and stepchildren, Judy Herbert, Rita (Dave) Wiseman, and Shelly Howard. He was the proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren, Tara (Seth) Riley, Tyson Riegel, Lena (Douglas) Zimmerer, Dustin (Stacy) Herbert, Chelsea Herbert, Natalie Burton, Brian Burton, Sara (Noah) Needler, Evan Wiseman, Kristine and Tyler Howard. He is survived by four great-grandchildren, Kathryn and Henry Needler and Lawson and Gracelyn Herbert. He is also survived by his sister, Mabel Poetker and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Robert Riegel; a brother, Paul; stepson, Steven (Connie) Howard and a son-in-law, Greg Herbert.

Stewart was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1949-1952. He attained the rank of Technical Sgt. during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Guam and California. He served as a crew chief on a B29 Superfortress. His aircraft was one of a handful capable of carrying a nuclear arsenal. For the remainder of his life Stewart remembered and liked to recount his experiences in the Air Force.

After his Air Force service he returned to Jackson to join his father and brother in the family business which became known as Jackson Implement. Stewart could be found at his desk, serving the needs of his many customers whom he also considered friends, until 2017 when a fall forced his retirement.

Stewart was a long-time member of the Jackson Co. Planning Committee, a 50+ year member of the Jackson Rotary Club and the Jackson Elks Club. He was very proud and honored to be the Grand Marshal of the 2016 Apple Festival.

Stewart loved airplanes, his Dutch Master cigars, the accomplishment of hard work, his family and his many, many customers and business associates. His quiet, good natured demeanor will be missed by many.

The family wishes to thank the Four Winds staff and administration for all their loving care during Stewart’s time in residence with them and especially during this difficult year when they were his “family” when we were unable to be with him.

Services will be under the direction of Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home in Jackson. Due to COVID restrictions and the family’s concerns for the safety and health of the community there will be no public services. There will be a celebration of Stewart’s life at a later date for family and friends. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Jackson Rotary Club, P.O. Box 811, Jackson, Ohio 45640 or to another favorite charity in Stewart’s name.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com