Gerald L. Rieger

Gerald L. "Jerry" Rieger, 82, of Dover, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 18, 2026, following a period of declining health.

Born on June 10, 1944, in Dover, Jerry was the son of the late Louis and Caroline (Hagerman) Rieger. He was a 1962 graduate of St. Joseph High School, where he played football, basketball, and baseball.

Jerry proudly served his country for eight years in the United States Air Force, including service during the Vietnam War. He retired from the military as a Technical Sergeant and continued his commitment to serving his community and country by serving for 20 years with the Mansfield Air National Guard.

Following his military career, he co-owned Mario's Restaurant in New Philadelphia. He also had a long career in sales.

Jerry married the love of his life, Mary Kaye (Korns), on November 9, 1968. They shared 57 years of marriage and built a family-centered life. Jerry cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. He and Mary moved to Kentucky to be closer to their grandchildren and to help care for them as they grew up. He rarely missed their sporting events, school activities, and other important moments in their lives.

Jerry had a special fondness for Eiler's Chocolate and was so devoted to it that, while living in Kentucky, he was known to have his family bring it to him all the way from Ohio.

An avid sports fan, Jerry especially enjoyed following the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He also loved playing tennis and racquetball and enjoyed watching and following basketball, baseball, and football.

Jerry was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover. He will be remembered for his love of family, his dedication to his country, his enthusiasm for sports, and the many memories he created with those he loved.

In addition to his wife, Mary Kaye, Jerry is survived by his children, Milissa (Adam) Larkins of Hebron, Kentucky, Jennifer (David) Tidrick of Dover, and Steven Rieger of Dover; his grandchildren, Katelyn Larkins, Gabe Larkins, and Lizzy Larkins; his sister, Anna Contini; his brother, Ed (Joann) Rieger; his sister-in-law, Cheryl Burlison, who lovingly helped with his care; brothers-in-law, Jake, Jeff, and Ken Korns; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Jane Bayer; brothers, Bob and Bill Rieger; his parents-in-law, Kenneth and Dolores Korns; and brothers-in-law, Tony Contini and Gene Bayer.

Cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover. A graveside service will be held at St. Joseph Calvary Cemetery on Monady, October 12, 2026 at 11:00 am. The New Philadelphia VFW will conduct military honors.

To sign Jerry's online guestbook, please visit the obituary link on the funeral home's website.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Lifebanc of Northeast Ohio, 4775 Richmond Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44128.

Jerry's greatest joy was his family, and his love and devotion to them will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.