F. Walter Riebenack

F. Walter Riebenack, 86, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, at his residence in Fort Wayne. Walter was born in Queens, New York, to Anna Fisch and Francis Riebenack, and was raised by his mother in Queens and Brooklyn, New York, with his siblings Margaret and Adolph. He graduated from St. Francis Preparatory School in Brooklyn in 1958.

After high school, Walter left New York to attend the University of Notre Dame. He earned his undergraduate degrees in Accounting and Finance and went on to graduate from Notre Dame Law School in 1965. While at Notre Dame, Walter met a beautiful young lady, Mary Ann Smith, who was attending nearby St. Mary's College. Walter and Mary Ann were married while Walter was attending law school. They were happily married for nearly 60 years until Mary Ann's passing in 2021.

Walter was a prominent attorney and practiced most of his legal career in Ft. Wayne. For many years, he was very instrumental in the formation of several de novo banks in the State of Indiana. He also advised numerous financial institutions and corporations with merger and acquisition transactions throughout his career. Walter continued to actively practice law and remained involved in the community until he began experiencing health challenges the last couple years.

Family and his Catholic faith were most important to Walter. He was a wonderful husband to Mary Ann and father to his two daughters, Angela and Kristen. Walter was looked upon as a mentor to many of his daughter's friends and younger attorneys and loved helping others who were in need of fatherly guidance.

For many years, Walter and Mary Ann, along with family and friends traveled to South Bend to attend Notre Dame football games and were known to host grand pre-game tailgate parties. While Walter did not have many hobbies, he loved his Notre Dame football and attended as many games as possible each season.

Walter was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Ft. Wayne. He also served on multiple boards over the years and was a longtime advisor and member of the Board of Trustees at University of Saint Francis in Ft. Wayne. He was a very generous man, and that generosity will continue beyond his passing.

Walter is survived by his daughter Angela Cecil and Son-in-Law Dennis Cecil, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann, daughter Kristen Riebenack, and his parents and siblings. He is also survived by his Assistant and longtime family friend, Mary Bastress.

A Visitation for Walter is scheduled for Sunday, October 19th from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Ft. Wayne, IN. His funeral Mass is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 20th, with visitation one hour prior at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 10700 Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne, IN.

Memorial contributions in Walter's name may be made to Matthew 25 Health & Care, and Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Fort Wayne.

Livestream of Funeral Mass available at: https://seasfw.org/livestream