Leo Riege. 88 / June 1, 1923 — June 10, 2011

Published 9:22 am Thursday, June 16, 2011

Leo Walter Riege, 88, formerly of Elkhart, passed away at his son’s residence in Cassopolis Friday, June 10, 2011.

Leo was born June 1, 1923 in Mishawaka, Ind. to Walter S. and Madaline (Dishment) Riege.

Leo was united in marriage to Lillian R. Benjamin on Jan. 18, 1941 in Mishawaka. Leo and Lillian shared 55 years of marriage together.

Leo served his country in the United States Army during World War II, receiving an honorable discharge. Leo was a member of the American Legion Post 308 in Osceola, Ind. Leo retired from the Bendix Corp. as a truck driver after 30 years of service.

His parents, his wife and three sons, Terry Riege, Gregory Riege and Anthoney Riege, and one daughter, Patricia Radics, preceded Leo in death.

He is survived by four children, Pamela Riege of Cassopolis, Deborah (Gordon) Warner of Dowagiac and two sons, Steven (Donna) Riege, Jerome Riege both from Cassopolis. Leo was a loving and caring grandfather to 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 18 great-great-grandchildren. Four sisters, Jenny Sharman, Margaret Copp, Sharon Walters, Barbara Yaw, and one brother, George Riege, along with Leo’s special friend, Miss Sylvia Lovejoy, are also surviving.

The family is honoring Leo’s wishes to be cremated.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka.

Memorial contributions can be made to Borgess Hospice 348 North Burdick, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

Bubb Funeral Chapel assisted the family with the arrangements.