Luke Michael Riesterer

Luke Michael Riesterer went home to heaven, to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on May 29, 2026. An autopsy revealed he had a very enlarged heart and his death was instantaneous from cardiac arrest. His family takes great comfort knowing that he died peacefully in his sleep and is with the Lord, whom Luke loved so dearly.

Luke was born in Portland, Oregon on May 25, 1976. He spent his life ministering to those whom Jesus called “the least of these.” Regularly, he picked up people who were disabled to drive them to church. While in line at Safeway pharmacy or in the Walmart parking lot, he’d tell people how much God loves them and pass out the Gospel of John.

He’d go to downtown Portland and give new, white socks and cupcakes to the homeless and drug-addicted, always asking how he could pray for them and telling them of Jesus’ love. He took lunch and homemade cookies to shut-ins, and visited widows and mowed their lawns. If someone needed help moving, he was there, with his truck. For 20 years, he went to a nursing home to bless the elderly residents, playing favorite hymns on the guitar and praying for the residents. He faithfully served at his church, Mannahouse.

Luke was witty and kind; the most beautiful, gentle, old soul. His favorite thing was to be outdoors, surrounded by nature, and he was an avid bird-watcher. Luke was also an incredibly skilled classical guitarist and delighted family and friends since he was nine years old with his unique gift and talent on the guitar.

He was immensely proud of his nieces and nephews, gushing over their achievements and tender hearts for the Lord, and loved spending time with them.

He was a servant of all. He didn’t want money, possessions, titles, or recognition. He was entirely heavenly-focused. C.S. Lewis’ quote perfectly describes what we witnessed in Luke: “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”

Luke passed away four days after his 50th birthday. His family was together to celebrate the special occasion by hiking in the Gorge followed by a picnic dinner with Beacon Rock looming majestically in the background.

Luke is survived by his parents, Michael and Sharon Riesterer, his sisters, Kristen Brinski, Angeline Loseke, and Sonja Riesterer, two brothers-in-law, and four nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Luke Riesterer to Voice of the Martyrs or Union Gospel Mission. Luke prayed daily for the countries around the world where Christians are being persecuted for their faith. UGM is a wonderful, Christian nonprofit providing housing, meals, and the Good News of the Gospel to those in need.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service for Luke at 1:00pm, Friday, July 10, at Mannahouse - Vancouver, located at 14311 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98684.