Delmar Frank Riester Jr.

Mr. Riester was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Vietnam War. He worked in the Belleville City Engineer’s Office. He had worked for the St. Clair County Grants Department and was a part-time instructor at SWIC, serving as the Coordinator for the Construction Management Program. Mr. Riester was a member of the Sons of Union Veterans and the 22nd Illinois Regiment. He acted in the 1993 movie "Gettysburg". His hobbies included blacksmithing, Civil War reenacting, collecting nautical and pirate themed collectables, cycling, antiquing, hosting themed dinner parties for friends and family, and attending productions at the Fox Theater. He conducted many historical talks on the Civil War as well as educational discussions and demonstrations on blacksmithing and carpentry. Mr. Riester volunteered his time in many community service projects including cycling with LINC for the visualy impared, and other events and organizations throughout the community. He was a leader who touched and inspired many lives and his service both working for the city of Belleville as well his time spent serving his country in Vietnam will not soon be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Delmar F. Riester and Bonnie Belle, nee Harper, Riester Sr. and a brother, Jerry Riester.

Surviving is his daughter, Emily Riester, of Belleville, Illinois, his former wife, Kathleen Riester, nee Mueller, of Belleville, Illinois, his nephews, Mark, Matthew, Aaron, and Toby Riester, a sister-in-law, Sheila Riester, his best friend, Russell Schleicher, other relatives and many friends.

Memorials are appreciated to Sons of Union Veterans. Memories and expressions of condolences may be made atwww.lakeviewfuneralhm.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 9 pm Friday, March 14, 2014 at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Illinois.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Saturday, March 15, 2014 at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Illinois. Interment will be in Walnut Hill Cemetery, Belleville, Illinois