Deanna Louise Riesen

Deanna Louise Riesen, 84, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025 after a hard-fought battle with cancer for over 2 years. Deanna was born in Ohio City, Ohio on January 8, 1941, a daughter of the late Hugh and Opal (Shaffer) Dull. She was a seamstress for several years. Deanna was an integral part of Waynedale United Methodist Church. She had a passion to serve others with the hands and feet of Jesus, just as she was called to do. Deanna loved that she proudly shared a birthday with Elvis. Two things that made her laugh hysterically were riding the octopus at the fair and watching her favorite George Carl skit. Deanna enjoyed sewing, baking, cooking, going on long walks, birdwatching, and flower gardening. She loved her family and friends dearly, but nothing more than her God. Her faith was unshakeable. Deanna will always be remembered as someone that forever lent a helping hand and offered words of encouragement. She was the sweetest, most humble, most positively influential, affectionate, and attentive soul you could ever meet. She did not know a stranger, and when she engaged with you, even in a vast crowd, she made you feel like you were the only person in the room. To know her was to love her. There simply aren't enough words in existence to capture her truly exceptional character.

Deanna is survived by her husband of 65 years, Larry Riesen; son, Keith Riesen; granddaughter, Heather (Anthony) Follis; great-grandchildren, Paxton and Paisley Follis; and her siblings, Monte (Becky) Dull, Judy (Mike) Mersman, Gena (Phil) Bittner, Teressa (Ron Bruns) Kerns, and Sonya (Mark) Davis. Deanna is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews, whom she simply adored. She was preceded in passing by her brother, Tom (Peg) Dull and brother-in-law, George Kerns.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Elzey Patterson Rodak Home For Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46809, with visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Contributions in Deanna's memory may be made to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.