Robert Andrew Riester II

Robert Andrew (Bob) Riester II, a retired minister and a beloved member of his family and community, passed away on January 22, 2025, in Indianapolis. Born May 4, 1946, in Princeton, Indiana, Bob grew up across the Wabash River in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. He dedicated his life to ministry with others, living out his faith in God in big and small ways.

Bob graduated from Transylvania College in Lexington, Kentucky, and Lexington Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Divinity. He was ordained at First Christian Church Mt. Carmel, in the spring of 1971. In nearly four decades of ministry, he served at Pleasantville Christian Church and Fairview Christian Church of Pleasantville, Iowa; First Christian Church in Shelbyville, Tennessee; and Allisonville Christian Church in Indianapolis. His ministry and his support of the many manifestations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) made lasting impacts on the church he loved so much. 

In his first year at Transylvania, Bob met his cherished wife and partner in life, Kathryn Morris Riester. They were married in the summer of 1967 and nurtured a loving family. Bob and Kathy's children, R. Andrew Riester III (Holly) of Annandale, Virginia, Sarah Riester (Tim Bodenreider) of Indianapolis, and John Morris Riester (Sara) of Norman, Oklahoma, live out his legacy of love, service, and laughter.

Bob was also a proud grandfather, and he found immense joy in his grandchildren: Norah, Hope, Joshua, Eugenia, and Joy Riester. He enjoyed sharing with them his love of music, baking cookies, and keeping current on world affairs. 

He is survived by his immediate family, who will remember him not only as a husband, father, and grandfather but also as a guiding light in their lives. Preceding him in death were his parents, Robert and Mary Riester.

Robert Andrew Riester II leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and dedication that will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. He will truly be missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to one of the following: Transylvania University, Lexington Theological Seminary, or the Robert & Kathryn Riester Fund with Pension Fund of the Christian Church.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 2PM at Central Christian Church, 701 N Delaware St., Indianapolis.