Horace Neil Rieger died late Thursday night, March 31, 2011 at Sierra Blanca Care Center in Lakeside, Arizona. He was 87 years old. Horace was born on March 17, 1924 in Dora, Missouri to the late Stephen Nathaniel and Sara Jane (Hale) Rieger. As a young man, he heard his patriotic "call to duty" and was drafted in The United States Army during World War II. He was a unit member of Merrill's Marauders and served in the China-Burma-India Theater. During his military service, Horace was wounded and was subsequently awarded the Purple Heart Medal for his brave acts of heroism. His family was so proud of the sacrifices that he made during the war, and millions more, back in the States, were grateful for what he accomplished during his tour of duty. In 1952, Horace married the true love of his life, Kathryn Sue Arnold in Missouri. Most recently, the Riegers celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary together. Indeed, they knew what "true love" was. Horace was an incredibly intelligent man. He knew the value of having a good education and went on to receive a Master's Degree in Education. His schooling served him well throughout his long life, as he proved to be an excellent provider for his family. While living in Missouri, he was an 8th grade school teacher and developed a great feeling of responsibility towards his students and taught them to be the best that they could be. After many years as an 8th grade school teacher, Horace moved to Arizona with his family and continued teaching children in the Scottsdale School District and also became one of its principals. He was considered a "favorite" to many of his students. In 1974, Principal Rieger accepted the principal's position at Blue Ridge Grade School in Pinetop, Arizona. After nearly 10 years of dedicated service as its principal, Horace was able to retire from Blue Ridge Grade School in 1983 and was greatly missed by everyone he had the privilege to work with. Horace was never one to be idle. Even after his retirement, he was always looking for others whom he could serve. Since moving to the White Mountains, he was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Pinetop and, for several years, he served as one of its Deacons. He gladly volunteered his time and talents with his church family because he, too, had a deep and abiding love for his Savior, Jesus Christ. He also was a regular participant of the Prayer Breakfast Group and truly enjoyed the fellowship of many during these early morning prayer meetings. Horace also enjoyed the comradery of his fellow veterans and for many years was an active member of the Disabled American Veterans of the White Mountains. This kind hearted gentle man loved people and they, in return, loved him. He will be greatly missed. Horace Neil Rieger is survived by: his wife, Kathryn S. Rieger of Pinetop, Arizona; 1 daughter, Lynn Rathbun of Mesa, Arizona and by a younger brother, Robert Lee Rieger of Missouri. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his 2 sisters: Lena Pauline Rieger and Betty Eileen Beecher. Horace's funeral service will begin 10:00 A.M., Thursday, April 7, 2011 at the First Baptist Church of Pinetop, 1963 E. White Mountain Boulevard in Pinetop, Arizona where the visitation will begin 1 hour prior. The concluding service with military honors will begin 12 Noon, Friday, April 8, 2011 at Green Acres Memorial Park in Scottsdale, Arizona.
