Norman E. Rieso

Norman E. Rieso


Norman E. Rieso of Freeburg passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at his home, on the same land where he was born on January 21, 1929. He had attained the age of 80 years, 2 months and 5 days.

Mr. Rieso was the son of the late Henry and Elva Pauline (Herr) Rieso. He married Ruth Schell on June 21, 1969 in Smithton.

Norman was a breeder of English Pointer hunting dogs for more than 50 years and was very active in community organizations. He served as Mayor of Smithton for 11 years and as a County Board Member for 25 years. He was very proud to have served on the Executive Boards of Kaskaskia Regional Port District, Southwestern Illinois Planning Commission and Southern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission for more than 20 years each. He was also a member of St. Johns United Church of Christ in Smithton and the Smithton American Legion Post. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force.

Preceding him in death besides his parents, were his sisters, Myrtle Shanz, Mildred Lippert, Dolores Schmierbach and Norma Otten and a stepson, Neil Ledbetter.

Surviving are his wife, Ruth (Schell) Rieso; his son, Clark (Jane) Rieso; his step-daughter, Cindi Correll; his grandsons, John and Kyle Correll; a special great-grandson, Clayton; his brother-in-law, Floyd Schmierbach; nieces and nephews, Joyce Leingang, Nancy (Gary) Gaines, both of Millstadt, Sandy (Steve) Cummings, Judy Hoepfinger, Rick (Sherry) Schmierbach, all of New Athens, Jeanne Trotter of Columbia, Sharon Bergkoetter of Yuma, Arizona, Susan (Kenny) Middendorf of Fayetteville and Bob Otten of Smithton.

Friends may call on Friday, March 27, 2009 from 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. and on Saturday, March 28, 2009 from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. at St. Johns United Church of Christ in Smithton. The Smithton American Legion Post will conduct ritual services at 7:30 P.M. on Friday.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to St. Johns United Church of Christ in Smithton.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Johns Untied Church of Christ in Smithton. Interment will follow in the Franklin Cemetery, Smithton with full military honors conducted at the graveside.

Creason Funeral Home in Millstadt is in charge of arrangements.