JOHN WAYNE RIETH

March 26, 1938 – July 29, 2023

ELKHART- John Wayne Rieth, 85, of Elkhart, died in Elkhart, Indiana at his residence.  He was born March 26, 1938, in Elkhart, Indiana to Robert & Edith (Smith) Rieth.

     John is survived by his daughter, Anna C. (Patrick Bruch) of Minneapolis, MN; 3 grandchildren, Patrick, John & Chistopher Bruch and his brother, Ned (Carolyn) Rieth of Ramsey, Indiana.  He was preceded in in death by his parents and 2 siblings, David Rieth and Barbara Rieth.

     John enjoyed reading, feeding the birds, going shopping at secondhand stores, and taking long walks.  John valued his family and enjoyed spending quality time with them.  He was a generous, kind, and gentle soul.

     John received a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University in Muncie, IN and a master’s degree from Wayne State in Detroit.  He was formerly employed as a professor at Glen Oaks Community College in Sturgis, MI, was a writer in New York City and worked for the Elkhart Public Library.

     In keeping with his wishes, there will be no visitation or services and cremation will take place.  The burial will take place at Prairie Street Cemetery at a later date.  Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home is entrusted with his care.

     Memorial contributions may be given to the National Alliance of Mental Illness.