Dean A. Riester

On June 28, 2022, Dean Riester, loving husband, father, and friend passed away at the age of 62.  Dean was born December 2, 1959 to Thomas L. Riester and Earladean Blines/Riester in Indianapolis, IN. Dean was preceded in death by his father, Thomas L. Riester, mother, Earladean Blines/Riester, step-mother, Mid Riester, and brother, Thomas E. Riester. He lives on through his loving wife, Tracy Feeney/Riester, his 3 children, Douglas, Andrew, and Emily Riester, his future son in law Tanner Thompson, and his 3 nephews, Thomas D. Riester, Eddie Riester, Robert Riester. Dean graduated from Decatur Central High School in 1978. He graduated from Vincennes University in 1980 with an associates degree in Horticulture. Dean was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity at Vincennes. Dean owned a landscaping company for 10 years. He joined the Decatur Township Fire Department in 1992 as a volunteer and was hired on full time in 1997. He retired in 2019. Dean was a school bus driver for 18 years with Decatur Township School System. He worked for Jensen’s Pools for 6 years and worked for Lee Supply Corp for 3 years. He served as vice president and had a combined 16 years as a coach and volunteer for Decatur United Soccer Club. Dean was often seen as the Fire Dog at events in Decatur Township making countless people smile and laugh. He volunteered as Team Captain for the fire department’s Relay for Life for multiple years, raising thousands of dollars to fight against cancer. Dean enjoyed spending time with his family, dogs, and friends. He loved going fishing and kayaking whenever he could. He was famous for his BBQ, his dancing, his contagious laughter, and his caring attitude towards everyone he knew. Dean will surely be missed as he has touched the souls of so many members of our community.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 1, 2022, 1:00-8:00 pm at Flanner Buchanan Decatur Township, 5463 Kentucky Ave. Indianapolis, IN. Dean’s Mass will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2022, 10:00am at St. Ann Catholic Church 6350 S. Mooresville Road, Indianapolis, IN with visitation there from 9:00am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to one of the following fundraisers that meant so much to Dean:

Just Cause Foundation. This fund supports any Decatur Township Fire Department employee that needs assistance due to hardship. Please write checks to “Decatur Township Just Cause Foundation INC.” Donations can be sent to 5410 S. High School Road or given to either Evelyn Harrell or Andrew Riester, and they will make sure the Foundation receives the donation.  Hoosier Burn Camp. Dean volunteered and loved working for the Hoosier Burn Camp as they provided life-changing experiences for young people from infancy through young adulthood who have suffered the physical and mental trauma associated with a severe burn injury. Donations can be written to “Hoosier Burn Camp” and sent to P.O. Box 233, Battle Grounds, IN 47920. Or online at http://hoosierburncamp.org .  To sign the online guest registry and share your favorite story or memory with Dean’s family you are encouraged to go to www.flannerbuchanan.com .