Douglas P. Rieger's Obituary
Heaven has gained a new boat builder. Douglas Paul Rieger, age 65, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Doug was born on September 2, 1960, in Elyria, Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen A. Rieger (née Rancour); daughter Rachel K. Menge (Christopher); granddaughter Cadence J. Menge; siblings David Rieger, Rhonda Edwards (Raymond), Donald Rieger, and Antoinette Kruse (Richard); aunt Jean Slates; uncle Ronald Rieger (Betsy), uncle Neal Kerr (Cheryl); and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Doug was preceded in death by his parents Anthony A. and Sheila H. Rieger; grandparents Anna and Anton Rieger; grandparents Eleanore and John Sabo; grandmother Althea Kerr; nephew Benjamin Rieger; cousin Jennifer Leondard; great uncle Al Sabo (Birdie); uncle Ralph Kerr; and sister-in-law Donna Moore.
Doug was never one to let grass grow under his feet. Throughout his youth, he held a variety of jobs, including working with his father as a painter and building tradesman, as well as delivering newspapers with his siblings. After graduating from Elyria High School in 1979, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Doug served as a Staff Sergeant for six years, during which he received a commendation medal for his outstanding instructional methods used to train aircrew members on life support equipment and survival techniques. During his service, he designed chemical deblooming equipment, worked in air traffic control, and was part of the Strategic Air Command. He was honorably discharged in 1985. In 1989 Doug embarked on a 30-year active career as a Journeyman union electrician specializing in building automations and temperature controls through IBEW Local #129. A meticulous and disciplined man with an entrepreneurial spirit, Doug established his own company, Tech Electric, LLC, in 2013. Throughout his career, he mentored countless individuals and had a hand in bringing to life some of the biggest projects in the region before hanging up the tools and retiring in 2020. But retirement couldn’t stop this hard worker.
Since his youth, Doug had a deep love for the water and water sports. He owned his first sailboat before he owned a car. Alongside his brother David, he built a 22-foot all-aluminum center-console fishing boat, and the two enjoyed many days fishing together. His passion for boating would remain a defining part of his life. A true craftsman, Doug turned his favorite hobby into his retirement gig, establishing 3DRC Boats, LLC. Through an innovative process, he vacuum-formed radio-controlled model boats, and designed and 3D printed the interior fittings. He offered custom painting jobs and also collaborated with his wife, Kathy, and sister, Rhonda, to sew beautiful handmade sails for his boats. Doug’s reputation for quality and artistry preceded him. His Soling 1 Meter, Silent Maid, and V-32 sailboats, as well as his RC Anchor Mark, were sold all over the U.S. and even abroad. In whatever spare time he had, he enjoyed model boat racing with various American Model Yachting Association (AMYA) clubs – including AMYA Firelands Model Boat Club and Western Reserve Model Yacht Club – even travelling out of state for regattas and camaraderie. In fact, Doug held one of the oldest AMYA membership numbers. A proud veteran and man of faith, Doug was also a current member of VFW Post #7576 in Vermillion, Ohio, and the Knights of Columbus Council #774 in Elyria, Ohio. Not only was Doug a hard worker, but he was also a devoted family man. He met the love of his life, Kathy in 1983. They married in 1987 and joyfully welcomed their daughter, Rachel, in 1991. Together, they created a beautiful life (even renovating their first home, not to mention his daughter and son-in-law, Chris’s first home). He was an incredible “girl dad,” and he was thrilled to step into the new role of doting “girl grandpa” in 2025 after welcoming his first grandchild, Cadence. Doug also enjoyed getting his “guy fix” with Chris, with whom he swapped stories, tools, BBQ tips, and many laughs. The family captain, Doug built a life anchored in unwavering love, commitment, and faith. After weathering the stormy seas of cancer, it is now time for Doug to sail into the sunset and enjoy time resting (and no doubt tinkering) in the home of the Lord. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who loved and knew him. Visitations will be held Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 4–7pm at Bogner Family Funeral Home, 36625 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, Ohio, 44039. A prayer service will be held at Bogner Funeral Home at 10:30am on Monday, June 8, 2026. Immediately following, a funeral mass will be held at St. Peter Parish, 35777 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, Ohio, 44039, at 11am, in concelebration with Reverend Father Robert Franco, Pastor, and Reverend Father Isidore Munishi. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Elyria, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the causes that impacted Doug – the AMYA, AMYA Membership Secretary, P.O. Box 360374, Melbourne, Florida, 32936; the Building on the Rock campaign for St. Peter Parish, 35777 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville, Ohio, 44039; and University Hospital’s Seidman Cancer Center, Institutional Relations & Development, P.O. Box 94554, Cleveland, Ohio, 44101-4554. A special thank-you to the staff at LifeCare Center, Elyria, Ohio, for the gentle and heartfelt care they gave Doug during his end-of-life journey. Anchors aweigh and smooth sailing until we meet again, Doug. We pray for your safe and peaceful passage.
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