Obituaries: Donald Vincent Riese (Jan. 11, 1932- Dec. 24, 2009)

Donald Vincent Riese

Jan. 11, 1932 - Dec. 24, 2009

Donald Vincent Riese passed away on December 24, 2009, at the age of 77, after a 2-year battle with cancer. He was born on January 11, 1932 in Oakland, California.

He enlisted in the Air Force in 1949 to 1953. After leaving the service, he went into business with his father in McNabb supplies.

After some time he entered into law enforcement, where he spent 40 years. The last 14 years were with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department, where he retired in 1992. While with the sheriff's department, he started the SCOPE program (senior citizens on patrol), the Cal Trans program, The Farm in Rohnerville, the Wood for Seniors program and was head of the SWAP program (sheriff's work alternative program). He also owned several bars in his lifetime.

Don was a member of the Elk’s Lodge #652, the Redwood Roamers RV Club, the Humboldt County Peace Officers Association and the Retired Law Enforcement Association.

His pastime was building and making cabinets, remodeling kitchens, and other requests. He loved working with oak, he would spend many hours building in his shop. He also worked with his good friend, Pat Christian, remodelling homes together.

He loved traveling with his wife, Jacky, in their 5th wheel trailer. They traveled all over the western states, including Canada, Mexico and Hawaii. In May of 2007 they flew to Hawaii, visiting his sister in Maui, then flew to Honolulu and toured Oahu. Then in August of 2007 they took a cruise to Alaska and celebrated their anniversary aboard ship. They also traveled to Yuma, Arizona, every January for 2 to 3 weeks with their good friends, Gordon and Pat Williams. The Orange Grove RV Park in Bakersfield was one of his favorite RV parks. While there he would pick oranges to give to family and friends. He and Jacky also loved to stay at Humbug State Park in Oregon, where they would pick berries and go crabbing in Port Orford. When traveling in Crescent City they enjoyed visiting with Michael and their granddaughters.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline; his sons, Michael of Crescent City and Donnie Jr. (wife, Mary Jo) of Santee, Calif.; his daughter, Debra Jo Karanapoulis (husband, Jim) of Crescent City; his step-children, Michael and Karen Gomes of Kentucky, Cheryl and Stacy Whitfield of Reno, Nevada, Patricia Roth and Chris Clay of Eureka, and Michele and Jack Rieke of Eureka.

He is also survived by his sister, Marjie Ritchie of San Leandro; his sister-in-laws, Lorraine Laursen of Arcata and Ruth Dibene of Phoenix, Ariz. He has 6 grandchildren, 9 step- grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 5 step-great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Don was preceded in death by his son, Harold Riese; his granddaughter, Chelsa Riese; his father and mother, Harold and Edith Irene Riese; his sister, Carol Riese Lassen; and his mother-in-law, Mary Dibene.

A thank you for the wonderful care given to Don during his illness from Dr. John Biteman, Dr. Martin Majer, Dr. Gamini, Dr. Matthew Miller, and Angela and her staff from Hospice of Humboldt.

A memorial service will be held on January 10, 2009, at the Elks Lodge on Herrick Rd., at 1 p.m. A reception will follow after the service at the lodge. Honorary pallbearers are Gordon Williams, Jack Rieke, Joe Demello, Mike Delaney and Jim Josey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s memory to Hospice of Humboldt, the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Submitted by Sanders

Funeral Home

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