Douglas Arthur Riehl
My brother, Douglas Arthur Riehl, was born in St. Mary’s Hospital, in St. Louis 64 years ago to Jack & ?Lois ?Riehl. Doug was a hyperactive child, never wanting to go to sleep, keeping us up with his loud singing! He always loved animals & had a dog as a child & multiple cats throughout his life. ?
Our father, Jack, taught Doug to hunt, fish & row boats. He also learned to grow plants & ?TREES, which was in the family business going back 4 generations. Doug went to North County Tech to study horticulture, later working for a local nursery.
He also worked for the Hilton Inn, across from the airport & later transferred to the St ?Louis Airport ?Inn ?on ?Lindberg by Northwest ?Plaza. It was then that he met Janet, his wife, & they were together 7 years. This was a very happy time for Doug!
When he was laid off his job, the marriage fell apart, he had a breakdown & ended up in the hospital. ?He was diagnosed with long term depression. His doctors, councilors & family worked for many years to find the right treatment for him. Doug had a cat named Whiskers, who helped him for many years. Doug was always happy with his buddy, who he called his “son”. When Whiskers passed, Doug had an especially rocky time.
As you all know some years were good & some not so good for him, but he still fought his mood swings. His prescriptions changed, some helping him some not helping but causing side effects. He learned to cope & relieve stress through breathing exercises that he learned in a recovery group. This last year was one of his best.
??I saw Doug in April. He was well groomed, his hair had turned a handsome gray, he was pleasant & polite & he had lost weight. He had been attending an adult daycare so he wasn’t so lonely & was more optimistic about life. Doug & I agreed he needed to be around people. I believe that his doctor, but especially his friend & councilor, John Hirschfeld , had a lot to do with Doug’s improvement. We worked for 14 years as a team to give Doug his freedom but still keep him safe.
One thing no one knew about Doug (I didn’t know until he told me last year) was that he took a bus trip with his friend, Keith. ?It was to a “ ?Right To Life” rally in Washington D. C. for 2 days. He did have definite ideas & always faith in God & the power of prayer!
Trees were always important to Doug. He knew all their names. which he would tell me every time we went to a park! i ask if you can, to plant a tree in his honor through you local park district or in your yard. He would love that! If not just live with his undying love & faith in your heart.
I am proud of my little brother he fought a long & good fight against manic depression for over 30 years. But most important, at the end of his life he was proud of himself.!
Love you forever,
Carol Ann Riehl
I’m so very sorry to hear about Doug’s passing. I knew Doug from Grace Church. He was very faithful and tried his best to get to church even though he didn’t have a car. Everyone loved Doug and he will be very missed.
My most deepest sympathy, Carol, for the loss of your little brother. What a beautiful way you have left us with great understanding of the full life Doug has lived. I am a member of Grace Church St Louis of 24 yrs. I do regret never meeting him, for I would have welcomed him with open arms as I am a greeter and usher at Grace and simply love meeting new people. I will plant a tree in your little brother’s memory, for my father, also, was a professional landscaper in St. Charles County, Mo. and taught us to appreciate nature, truly God’s gift to us. With compassion for you and your family, Ellen M. Hackmann.