Dorothy Riehl

Dorothy Anne Riehl, 93, of Holland, Ohio went to her heavenly home on May 19, 2025. She was born on July 18, 1931 in Mattoon, IL to Rev. Edward and Mildred (Rykken) Birner, where she grew up alongside her three siblings. She graduated from Valparaiso University and, after training as a medical lab technician, worked in St. Louis. There she met Roger Riehl and they married in 1960 and together raised four children in Rossford, Ohio.

Dorothy was a homemaker in the best sense and created a home where her family thrived. After her Christian faith, her family and extended family were central to her and she organized many family reunions to keep members close despite geographical distance. She demonstrated the importance of service to others, working to the best of one’s abilities, and making the most of each situation. She and Roger were highly active in their church and Dorothy had great joy leading the women’s Bible study. She shared her time and volunteered in a variety of organizations, including the Toledo Glassmen, the Zeph Center, and the Lutheran Home. Dorothy loved music and was a member of the Bach Chorale in St. Louis and many church choirs and music ensembles. She had a spirit of adventure, sailing her sunfish on the Maumee River and road tripping around the country.

Dorothy is survived by her children Erich (Cassandra) Riehl, Suzanne Riehl, Matthew (Heidi) Riehl, Seth (Sarah) Riehl; grandchildren Zachary (Elliana), Kiara, Joel, Bradley, Naomi, and Briana; brother Rev. Charles Birner; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Roger, her brother, Rev. Edward Birner, and sister Alice Bokenkamp.

All are welcome to a gathering at Resurrection Lutheran Church (2250 S. Holland Sylvania Rd, Maumee) on July 9, 2025 at 10am with the memorial service beginning at 11am. Inurnment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Genacross Lutheran Services Foundation, 2021 N. McCord Road, Toledo, OH 43615. Condolences may be sent to walkerfuneralhomes.com.