Michael E. Reierson

With heavy hearts, we share that after a valiant battle, Michael Eric Reierson passed away on June 26, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.

Michael was born on July 19, 1944, in Gulfport, MS, to Richard and Kathryn Reierson.  He grew up in Madison, WI, but spent his senior year of high school with relatives in Madrid, Spain, and graduated in 1962 from Torrejon Madrid High School.  Michael attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree.  His college career was interrupted from 1966 – 1968 when he served in the United States Army as a Green Beret in the 8th Special Forces Group, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant.  In 1976, he married Cynthia Fiala and they happily celebrated 42 years of marriage this past November.  After spending 22 years in the business world, he moved his family to Indianapolis, IN and opened two Play It Again Sports stores.  He owned and operated these stores from 1992 until 2002. Michael retired from the Walker Career Center in 2013 after almost ten years working with the photography classes.

Michael has always enjoyed photography and sports.  Additionally, he competed in triathlons, was an avid gardener and cheered on the Green Bay Packers.  In his later years, he also became a bird enthusiast and it was rare to see him without either the daily newspaper or a crossword puzzle.  Michael’s greatest joy was his family.  They will always fondly remember his witty and wonderful sense of humor even throughout his unending health challenges.  His courage to reinvent his life as he dealt with his ever changing condition will forever inspire and carry his family through their grief.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia; sons, Eric and Joel (Courtney) Reierson; daughter, Leah (Michael) Burton; sister, Patricia Maddox; brother, Richard (Eloise) Reierson; mother-in-law, Audrey Fiala Ford; brother-in-law, Brian (Theresa) Fiala; sister-in-law, Judy Hamilton; twelve amazing grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Kathryn Reierson; father-in law, Donald Fiala; brother-in-law, Dennis Hamilton; and nephew, Jonathan Reierson.

There will be a Celebration of Life held on Saturday, July 20, 2019, at Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Shangrila Chapel, 1444 W US Hwy 52, Fountaintown, IN.  Visitation is from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. with the service beginning at 3:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by Pastor Paul Daniels. A reception will follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association and the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

Online condolences @www.bellmortuary.com