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Dr. Ernest Herbert Rieger

About

North High School University of Kansas Wichita State University

FUNERAL HOME

Downing & Lahey Mortuaries & Crematory - East Wichita

6555 E. Central

Wichita, Kansas

Ernest Rieger Obituary

Rieger, Dr. Ernest Herbert, MD, FACS, age 84, of Wichita, Kansas, retired general surgeon and owner of Rieger Medical Supply, was released from his pain to embrace the eternal love of God on Wednesday, September 25th, 2013. Visitation with the family 6-8:00 PM Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at Downing and Lahey Mortuary East, 6555 East Central, and church service at 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 2, at Chapel Hill Fellowship, 1550 N. Chapel Hill St, Wichita, KS 67206. Survivors include his beloved wife and best friend of 60 years, Karin Rieger, son, Dr. Erik Rieger (Della) and daughter, Elizabeth (Liz) McGinness (Doug). Ernest (Ernie) was blessed with 5 grandchildren, Katy McGinness, Doug McGinness III, Jacob Rieger, Jonathan Rieger, and Joshua Rieger. Ernie is also survived by his two loving siblings, sister Betty Anderson, and brother Bob Rieger, as well as nieces Juli Anderson-Bjerke, Holly Anderson, Allison Waggoner, and nephew Bob Rieger Jr. Ernie was greeted in Heaven by his niece Karin Anderson, who was waiting for him, along with his parents, and other passed relatives and friends. Ernie's life began in Wichita, Kansas, when he was born on June 6, 1929. He grew up in Riverside, graduated from North High School, and then went on to Wichita State University and Kansas State University. Ernie was a brilliant man and a gifted surgeon whose skills touched the lives of many people living in Wichita and beyond. He served as the Surgeon General for the McConnell Air Force Base in the late 1960's and he was a local pioneer in bariatric surgery. Ernie had many interests and achieved numerous accomplishments in his 84 years, leaving behind a lasting legacy. He will be so greatly missed by his family, friends, and local community. He is now walking freely again and is no doubt, engaged in a spirited and delightful debate with Albert Einstein, while Moses and the Heavenly Angels serve as moderators. (See full obituary in the September 29th Wichita Eagle) Tributes may be sent to the family via www.dlwichita.com

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Published by Wichita Eagle from Sep. 30 to Oct. 2, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Rieger

13 Entries

Patricia (Daugherty) Reighard

July 2, 2024

When I was 13, Dr Reiger preformed a miracle life saving surgery on me, and I have admired him ever since he was the most caring and compassionate person I ever met, we encountered each other when I was in my 30s, a meeting so to speak; I'm 70 yrs now and I've never forgotten him, he is with the Lord now still performing his miracles

Robert Litan

September 22, 2019

I'd hard to believe that Ernie is gone. He was such a light and inspiration in this world, the remarkable optimistic person I have ever met, never once complained about being trapped in his body, not being able to continue his career, so he decided to master new subjects areas instead -- Hebrew and the Bible, which brought him into close friendship with my Dad. One that was a marvel to behold, just as Ernie was and always will be

Lora Burr /Ross Viner and Associates

October 2, 2013

Karin and family,
I am so sorry for your loss and may you be wrapped in the arms of our heavenly father to help you get through this time of grief for you and your family. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, may you be comforted by your faith and belief in a heaven with no more pain and sickness, and in the everlasting life and love of our heavenly father.

Tracy Cassidy

October 2, 2013

Liz; I've just realized I took classes with your Dad. .. and loved him. My heart goes to you. blessings. You have such a spirit .. we feel close to you even when we've ha little time. I can never thank you enough for the direction you gave me with a youngster.. it was life changing. love you. tracy cassidy

October 2, 2013

Eric & Della: Laura and I will always fondly remember holiday celebrations at your home with the great conversations with Ernie and your Mom. We share the loss for all of your family.

Lonny

Shelley Duncan

October 1, 2013

Liz, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is a tough thing no matter their age. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

October 1, 2013

Liz and Karin,
My heartfelt sympathy to your entire family. Your father and husband was blessed to have such a wonderful daughter and devoted wife. Liz, you are a living legacy of his brilliance, his mastery of the English language, and his devotion to compassionate service of others. Karin, your 60 year love affair and commitment to Ernie is a testament of your deep dedication to each other. Prayers and Love, Patrick and Connie Erbert

Lynn Cowles

September 30, 2013

Karin and family, I am sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.

Roger Danley

September 30, 2013

Ernie, what a great great man and friend no words can truly discribe him and Karin what wonderful wonderful souls they are, you cannot ask for better people than the Rieger's.
May God bless and keep you and your family through this time Karin.My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Gerald & Rachel Norwood

September 30, 2013

Dr.Rieger was, and is in spirit still our friend. If ever a person had a serious conversation with him, you could not leave his presence without becoming a more enlighten human being. Knowledge is what he strived on, and being around him just made you want more yourself. We were made better to have known Doc. I will truly miss our casual visits and thought provoking disucssions. We pray for your strength in this hour of loss. Your Friends Always Gerald & Rachel Norwood

Maureen Halpin

September 30, 2013

My husband, the late Dr. Ed Halpin,had the greatest respect and admiration for Ernie's enormous mind, vast surgical skills and fierce dedication to the care of "the patient." Ed loved intellectually sparing with Ernie -- Bill McGuire too. May they now resume the debate. God bless their dear souls. Maureen Halpin

Bob Litan

September 29, 2013

Ernie was one of the most remarkable, intelligent and kind person I have ever met. That he was able to remain upbeat for so long after his paralysis should be an inspiration to anyone and everyone who knew him and should know of him. He and my Dad (David Litan) for years, it too was a remarkable relationship. Ernie, everyone who knew you will remember you just as majestically as I. I count it as one of the great privileges of my life that I knew you, too. Karin, my deepest sympathies to you, you know more than anyone what a wonderful person he was and you, too, are remarkable for the care you gave Ernie.

Penny Oliver

September 29, 2013

Liz,
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
He will live on in your memories and special times you had together.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results