Bernard "Bernie" Anthony Riehle

Bernard “Bernie” A. Riehle, 86, Wausau, passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born May 15, 1938 in Athens, son of the late Wisconsin Assemblyman Bernard “Ben” and Mildred (Jacobitz) Riehle. He was a 1956 graduate of Athens High School.  On July 18, 1964, he married Jeanette Nowicki at Holy Family Catholic Church in Poniatowski.  They later divorced in 1982.

For many years, Bernie owned and operated Riehle Plumbing, Heating and Electric in Wausau.  A job he took great pride in and enjoyed servicing customers.  He was a longtime member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Parish, where he was a cantor and member of the church choir. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp Reserve, and a member of the Catholic Knights for over 75 years.

Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed playing trumpet, fishing, hunting, playing cribbage, telling jokes, and working hard to help others in need.

Survivors include, his daughter, Tiffany (Todd) Colarusso and his granddaughter, Kaylin Colarusso, of Atlanta, GA; ex-wife, Jeanette, Houston; three siblings - Frances Czech, Wausau, Geraldine Murphy, Maryland, and Kenny (Sue) Riehle, Athens; one brother-in-law, Phillip Windorski, Wausau; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by seven siblings, Marion Becker, Bernadine Johnson, Florence Windorski, William “Chippy” Riehle, Jim Riehle, Celia Riehle and Jean Riehle.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau.  Rev. Sebastian Kolodziejczyk will preside.  Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Athens with full military honors conducted by the Athens Area Veterans.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Matthew Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com