Carl David Rieger Sr.

Carl David Rieger, Sr., age 90, of Husser, LA, passed away peacefully at home on January 14, 2025. Born in New Orleans at Touro Hospital on August 2,1934, Carl was known for his generous, hard-working, hospitable nature as well as his deep love for family and faith. 

Carl is survived by his loving and loyal wife of 72+ years, Trudy Rishton Rieger; his daughter, Cathy Rieger Richie (Patrick); son, Carl Rieger Jr. (Karen); brother, Lloyd Rieger (JoAnn); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends from all around the world. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian Vasterling Rieger and Julius H. Rieger. He is also survived by his beloved golden retriever, Sierra. 

In 1951 Carl graduated from Jefferson High School at age 16, having skipped a grade due to his advanced academic abilities. Instead of accepting an academic scholarship for a secular career, he made the wise choice when young to dedicate his life to the service of Jehovah God. He later went on to earn his Notary Public and Real Estate Broker’s licenses. In 1952 at age 17, he married his sweetheart, Trudy Rishton. In 1953 he was proud of his achievement in obtaining a private pilot’s license. He worked hard to provide for his young family, having two children by the time he was 22 years old. Before retirement, he spent 20+ years as the Jefferson Parish Fire Prevention Chief, working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the community. 

Most well-known for his deep faith and love for Jehovah God and Jesus Christ, Carl loyally served Jehovah for over 77 years. In 1945, when just a young boy, his mother was contacted by two missionaries of Jehovah’s Witnesses and she accepted their offer of a Bible study. Despite opposition from his father, his mother instilled a love for Jehovah in Carl and his little brother, Lloyd, helping them to grow spiritually and to make Jehovah their friend. Carl and his mother took a bus to Houston, Texas, to a Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses where they were baptized together on May 9, 1948. When he was just 16, Carl served as School Servant in the early New Orleans congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It was at this Kingdom Hall on Carondelet Street where he met a cute little girl in pigtails named Trudy. They were married on April 19, 1952 and were the first couple down South to have a wedding held in a Kingdom Hall (on Pink Street in Metairie). Carl served in many spiritual capacities over the decades, including an appointment as Congregation Servant at the age of 27, in the Metairie Congregation on Downs Street. It was a challenge to balance all his responsibilities as a young husband, father, minister, and provider, but he overcame obstacles to do the best he could, despite his inherently shy nature. He had amazing organizational skills, always relied on Jehovah and had the wonderful support of his faithful wife at his side. In 1965 Carl had the privilege of attending a six-week Kingdom Ministry School in upstate New York, only to find upon his return that his company sold out, leaving him unemployed. Trudy worked hard to help support their family so he could have that privilege. Carl later served for decades as an elder in the Amite and Franklinton, La. congregations, faithfully until his death. He and Trudy also had the privilege of volunteering to help build many, many Kingdom Halls throughout Louisiana. 

Although he grew up in New Orleans, Carl always had a great passion for the outdoors, nature and animals. He cherished the memories made while taking his young family camping every summer for years, visiting nearly every National Park in the U.S., teaching his children to love Jehovah through His marvelous creation. He and Trudy would always combine these vacations with their attendance at Bible conventions, including pre-convention work in places as far away as Alaska. After retirement, he and Trudy enjoyed cruising to destinations all over the world and making wonderful friends in the Kingdom Halls they would visit…. friends they still have to this day. 

Looking ahead to his retirement, Carl and Trudy purchased some beautiful rolling acres in Tangipahoa Parish, where they spent weekends and later made it their home. Even though Carl was a “city slicker”, he taught himself the business of cattle ranching which gave him great pleasure. He’d often call on his son-in-law, Pat, to assist in the birthing of calves, all of which he would name after his friends! Carl loved riding his tractor, harvesting hay, and wearing his famous blue jumpsuits. He was totally devoted to and lovingly spoiled the many dogs he rescued. 

Carl will be greatly missed by all who knew him and served with him. He played an important role in the spiritual growth of many. His dedication to Jehovah and his years of spiritual service will be fondly remembered. His family looks forward to being with him again when he is resurrected as a vibrant young man, healthy and ready to go to work helping to cultivate the earthly paradise Jehovah has promised (Psalms 37:29). 

Carl’s family extends sincere gratitude to the many friends who reached out with visits, meals, cards, calls and flowers. A heartfelt thanks also goes to loving caregivers who helped at a most difficult time. 

The family has made private arrangements for Carl’s memorial services. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Jehovah’s Witnesses at donate. jw.org. 

“For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name.” -Hebrews 6:10