Francis P. Riester
February 11, 1933 ~ April 24, 2009
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Francis Peter "Frank" Riester, 76, of 23 Riester Lane, Asheville, died Friday, April 24, 2009, at his home.
Mr. Riester was born in Auburn, NY, and was a son of the late Francis Joseph and Helen Haliko Riester, and was the step-son of the late Anna Riester. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Martin Riester.
Mr. Riester lived in Florida for almost ten years and had lived in Buncombe County since 1980. He was a welder, carpenter, electrician, and homebuilder who had a talent for construction, especially in log homes and home additions. He was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jean O'Hara Riester; six children; Charlie Riester , David Riester, Chris Englert and husband, Steve, Cheryl Edwards and husband, Steve, Cindy Swayngim and husband, Doug, and Richard Riester; five grandchildren, Jessica, Kristy, Megan, Katee and Austin; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Barbara Granville and Nancy Carberry; three step-sisters, Margaret VanNorstrand, Marlene Eberlin and Mary Anna Palmesano; and two step-brothers, Mark Riester and Marvin Riester.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Brison Robertson for his 28 years of excellent medical care and friendship.
A memorial Funeral Mass will be celebrated by the Rev. John M. Pagel at 11:00 a.m. Monday at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium.
The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Stained Glass Window Fund of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 768 Asbury Road, Candler, NC 28715.
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Always in our memories Sonny.
Mr. Riester and his son remodeled the kitchen of the first house I had. What I remember the most about him was not just the quality of the work (it was superb) but his wonderful joking way and kind spirit. Soon after that he rebuilt a garage door for my mom’s house. As he was working at my house, I had shared that I liked to tole paint and showed him a book of some patterns that I was hoping to get cut out of wood. He borrowed the book and showed up a few days later with several of the patterns cut out for me. Over the years I have often thought of him. My deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Riester Family during your loss. I appreciated the opportunity to get to know both Frank & David. Frank was witty in his own way. Very genuine, caring individual.
Both Barb and I send all of our prayers to the Reister family. Although we did not know Francis……. we do know is sons Dave and Charlie and I am sure he was as proud of them as we are tro call them good friends. May God bless you all and welcome Francis to Heaven , where you will all meet again…… forever and ever.
Cindy, Sorry to hear about your father. Your family is in our prayers.
Doug and Caye
Dear Jean & family,
I was terribly sorry to read of Frank’s passing. He was a really nice man and a true artist in his wood working projects. He was a perfectionist in his work. I still have the table and stools that he built and also my daughter’s bench and furniture that he made for her playroom. Please know that you are in our thoughts and my deepest condolescences are with each of you. Always cherish your memories of Frank and he will live on in your hearts forever.
Joyce Dover-Evans & Family
Cindy,
Our thoughts are with you and your family. We are extremely sorry for your loss.
Bonnie and Lori
Our prayers are with you. The staff of SAMS CLUB pharmacy
Jean and family,
My sympathy and prayers are with you all. I think of all of you often and miss you. I remember the good times we had growing up and playing in your yard and in the woods on Sand Beach Rd.
Dearest Jean & Family: I have thought of all of you so many times over the years since we left Forest Hill Dr. Wes & Edie are living here at Schwartz towers now so I have sort of kept track through them. I am so very sorry about Sonny’s passing. You two were a great match. I have good memories of our camping days when all the kids were young. Where have the years gone Jean?? Please remember me to your family & extend my sincere sympathy. Please take care Jean. Fondly, Jan
My Dad was a wonderfull man. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayer.Its very hard to believe even though he was sick for many years he always came out of it. I will always cherish that wonderfull grin everytime I walked in the door.
My Grandpa was a person you couldn’t help but to love. His little jokes and big ideas always made me smile. He was a wonderful man to look up to. Love you Grandpa.