Marilyn H. Riegert

Marilyn Riegert was born on November 4, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, where she spent most of her early years. Following her father's work, the Holliday family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where Marilyn lived for most of her life. After graduating from North College Hill High School, she attended Miami University, where she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. Later, she returned to Cincinnati to begin her career as a copy editor at Southwestern Publishing, focusing on educational materials. A voracious lifelong reader and bibliophile, Marilyn was a skilled editor and an exceptionally well-read woman.
A close friend set Marilyn up on a blind date with Tom Riegert. The date went well, and the two were married in 1966-a marriage full of laughter, love, and a mutual passion for history that lasted 52 years, until Tom's passing in 2018.
Marilyn and Tom had two wonderful children, Katie and John. While raising their children, Marilyn remained deeply committed to community service. She joined the Hyde Park Kindervelt chapter, where she dedicated many years to its cause. Her hard work paid off when she was elected to serve as the city-wide president of the Kindervelt organization. After completing her term, she went on to serve on the Cerebral Palsy board of the organization and the board of Stepping Stones. Marilyn also served as Printing Chair of the 1987 World Figure Skating Championships.
In addition to these accomplishments, Marilyn was a proud member of P.E.O. Chapter BF, an organization that funds women's education. She was a third-generation member and continued the legacy of five generations of P.E.O. women, including her daughter, Katie, and two granddaughters, Frances and Margot.
In retirement Marilyn and Tom traveled extensively both domestically and internationally. They enjoyed visiting historical sites as well as researching their ancestry.
After the birth of her four grandchildren, Marilyn's focus shifted to her family. She spent as much time as possible doting on them and attending their many events. Some of her happiest moments were spent at the beloved Holliday Cottage at Lake Okoboji during the summer-reading, taking the kids to the park or store, and most importantly, enjoying Blue Bunny ice cream.
Marilyn was devoted, loyal, and a well-respected member of her community. She channeled her strong opinions into meaningful change, whether through writing letters to the editor at the Cincinnati Enquirer and earning a seat on the Readers' Editorial Board, or campaigning to preserve historic sites in Okoboji-most notably volunteering for the successful "Save the Park" campaign in 1996. She was known as the neighborhood maven, always up to date on local politics and the well-being of her neighbors.
Above all, Marilyn was loved by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, and son, John. She is survived by her daughter, Katie Leary (Mark); her sister, Judy Luebering (Jim); and her four grandchildren, Frances Mackson, (Rob), Will Leary, Margot Leary and Fiona Riegert
Marilyn passed away on October 6, 2025, from natural causes.
Visitation will be held at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Kenwood at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, October 20, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m.
Donations may be made to Ohio P.E.O. Scholarships, 8548 Shenstone Dr., Cincinnati, Ohio 45255
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