Gus Riess

Gus Riess, age 86, entered eternal rest on January 5, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis C. Riess and Mercedes Riess. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, lris; his children, Anita, Mike (Pam), and Val (Michelle); his grandchildren, Michael (Jorge), Chanse, Alyssa (Devin), Tyler, Jenna, and Alaina; his great-grandsons, Jaxson and Casey; and his sister, Karen.

Gus was born into a family of tomato farmers and grew up on Paris Road. He found great enjoyment in caring for his land in Bogalusa, where he especially loved cutting grass on his tractor with a bush hog. Gus was a graduate of Holy Cross High School and later attended LSU, where he was a proud member of the 1958 Championship team. He remained a lifelong Tiger fan and took great pride in his connection to the university. Later in his life he found enjoyment in racing horses at Jefferson Downs and the Fair Grounds. Gus was a former police officer and juvenile detention deputy for the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office. He went on to serve his community as a Police Jury member and Justice of the Peace in St. Bernard Parish.

Professionally, Gus was a longtime employee of Gulf Coast Bank, where he held the position of St. Bernard Parish Market Vice President. He was a devoted member of the Rotary Club of St. Bernard, the Kiwanis Club of St. Bernard-Arabi, the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce, and the St. Bernard Economic Development Commission. Gus will be remembered for his dedication to service, his strong work ethic, and the pride he took in all he did. Those closest to him will fondly recall the time he turned a broken toe - the result of an unfortunate rollover - into an unexpected hospital visit filled with laughter and good spirits, shared with his wife, lris, and his grandchildren, Tyler and Alaina. His legacy of service, and resilience will continue to live on through the family and community he cherished so deeply.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 9:00AM - 11:00AM followed by a funeral service in the Chapel. He will be laid to rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.