Julia Janet "Jan" Pierce Rietschier, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, surrounded by family she loved so deeply. Born on October 23, 1943, in Alexandria, Louisiana, Jan spent her life giving her heart to the people and creatures who needed it most.
She was the mother of five children, and being a mother was one of the greatest joys of her life. She loved her family fiercely - always watching, helping, encouraging, and making sure everyone was okay. She treasured all of her grandchildren and each held a special place in her heart.
Jan's love for children naturally found its way into her life's work. After graduating from St. Joseph's Academy and Louisiana State University with a degree in education, she became a dedicated teacher. She spent much of her career teaching sixth-grade science at Southside Junior High School. She loved her students and affectionately referred to them as her "kids". She cared about them, believed in them, and wanted them to know they mattered.
Jan was a devout Catholic whose faith was at the heart of her life. She lived her faith through love, compassion, and kindness she showed to others. The faith she so lovingly passed on to her family will remain one of her most enduring legacies.
Jan shared her life with her beloved husband, Dietmar Rietschier, and together they built a family filled with love, memories, and the everyday moments that become so precious with time.
She is survived by Dietmar; her children, Max Rietschier and wife Lisette, Hannelore Bankston and husband Trevor, Katie Levy and husband Chris, Erick Rietschier, and Helena Linzy and husband Devon; her grandchildren, Liam Rietschier, Luke Bankston, Ella Bankston, Jude Levy and significant other Riley Graff, John Levy, Althea Rietschier, Sylvia Rietschier, Pierce Linzy, Hope Linzy, Bryant Bankston and his wife Claire, and Trevin Bankston; her sister, Colette Pierce Cefalu; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Judy Pierce; her sisters, Jacqueline Pierce Roberson and Judy "Tukey" Pierce; her nephew, Jeff Bihm; and son, David Rietschier.
She was, at her core, a nurturer. She loved her people. She loved her "kids". She loved her dogs. She loved her family. And she was deeply loved in return.
Visitation at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 749 East Blvd, Baton Rouge from 9:00 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am Thursday, September 24th. Burial will follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park, 9595 Florida Blvd. Pallbearers will be Chris Levy, Trevor Bankston, Jude Levy, John Levy, Luke Bankston, and Liam Rietschier. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.
