Gene Leo Riesen, age 93 of Celina, Ohio passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at the Gardens at Celina.

He was born on March 19, 1930 in Celina, Ohio to the late Vilas and Marjorie (Gibson) Riesen. On September 1, 1951 he married Rosalyn A. Hull, who died Oct. 11, 2012. Survivors include his children Kevin (Karen) Riesen, Dane (Lucy) Riesen both of Celina, Doug (Theresa) Riesen of St. Marys, Kent (Donna) Riesen of Sylvania, Kerry (Susan) Riesen of New Philadelphia, 17 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, one step great grandchild. He is also survived by a brother-in-law Marvin Fischer of Ft. Wayne, IN and a sister-in-law Mary Hull of Celina.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers; Vilas
Riesen Jr., Forrest Samuel (Martha "Mert") Riesen and sisters and brothers-in-law; Willidean "Billy" (Carl) HasenJagger, Alice (Lowell "Mac") James, Anna Lee Fisher, Melvin Hull Jr.

Gene graduated from Celina High School with the Class of 1948. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He was the owner of the farm machinery side of Celina Truck and Tractor until 1981. He retired from Jackson Garage in 1993.

He was a life member of the Bethany United Methodist Church in Celina. A life member of the Celina Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5713. He was a loyal fan of the Celina Bulldogs, Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Reds. He loved to play cards, go fishing and hunting. Gene was a big fan of harness racing and for over 50 years went to the Little Brown Jug in Delaware, Ohio.

Gene and Rosie enjoyed watching their family grow through camping trips and family trips to Florida and South Carolina. They had a close group of friends that enjoyed listening to music and dancing to the local bands. He was a great father, grandfather and will be missed deeply by all. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at the Bethany United Methodist Church in Celina, with Rev. Josh Tissot officiating. Burial will follow in the North Grove Cemetery, with Military Honors provided by the Celina V.F.W. Post #5713 and the Celina American Legion Post #210.

A visitation will be held for friends and family from 3:00- 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 19, 2023 at the Lehman-Dzendzel Funeral Home in Celina and an hour before services at the Church on Tuesday.       Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethany United Methodist Church 416 E. Wayne St. Celina, Ohio 45822.

Condolences may be made to the Riesen family on-line at LehmanDzendzelFH.com.