Dr. Donald Riechel

Riechel, Dr. Donald C.

Dr. Donald C. Riechel, 90, of Upper Arlington, Ohio, passed away on September 17, 2025, at Kobacker House. Born May 17, 1935, in Queens, New York, he was the son of Maria Adele Riechel (née Kohl) and Carl August Riechel, first-generation immigrants who instilled in him a passion for languages, learning, and cultural exploration. He was preceded in death by his younger sister Dr. Rosemarie A. Riechel. Don earned his B.A. with Distinction in German from Columbia University in 1957, followed by a Fulbright Fellowship at the University of Göttingen in Germany. He received his M.A. in German from Northwestern University in 1959 and his Ph.D. in German from The Ohio State University in 1970. He began teaching German at The Ohio State University in 1963 as a teaching assistant, retiring from OSU in 1995 as Emeritus Associate Professor of German. Over more than three decades, Don taught with enthusiasm, creating courses in German language and cultural history, German and Scandinavian literature, and comparative studies. He was an active member of numerous academic societies, including the Modern Language Association, American Association of Teachers of German, Society for the Advancement of Scandinavian Study, North American Nietzsche Society, Goethe Society of North America, and the Melville Society. A lifelong scholar and polyglot, Don studied extensively the mysteries of the sea, the cosmos, and the intricacies of human language and behavior. Don was also a gifted writer, contributing many articles and reviews, presenting papers, and consulting for publications such as Scandinavian Studies, Modern Austrian Literature, and German Quarterly. In 2009, he published his historical seafaring novel German Departures. Don was an avid model railroader who spent many hours crafting miniature worlds that reflected his love of Germany, each layout a vivid portrayal of villages nestled among rolling hills and countrysides. He delighted his children and grandchildren whenever he became the conductor, sending his trains along their scenic rails. He cherished every day with his wife Patricia Wuichet Riechel, his "little shipmate," who passed away on October 21, 2021. They spent many summers together on Maine's Swan's Island, where they explored the coast, watched the sunsets, and shared time with dear friends. Don loved the island as he had always loved Long Island and the familiar coasts and waterways of his youth. Don was father to three daughters: Jeanne Riechel Beaver (Stephen), of Dublin, Ohio; Erika A. McCleese (Clifford) of Granville, Ohio; and Silvia Riechel Idziorek (Michael) of Fairfax Station, Virginia. As a long-standing feminist, he supported their endeavors and celebrated their achievements. He was grandfather to eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Don's family is profoundly grateful to the remarkable staff at Kobacker House for their extraordinary kindness, compassion, and unwavering support. A private family interment will be held at Woodland Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com. Arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST.