Carl J. Rieger, 88, of Huntsville passed away Friday. Carl was born in Pawtucket, RI to the late J. Carl and Louise (Lang) Rieger. He spent his formative years in Pawtucket, RI where he graduated from Pawtucket East Senior High School (Tolman) in 1948. He then went to the Rhode Island School of Design where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Machine Design in 1952. He was employed at the United Aircraft Research Department and shortly after, inducted into the U.S. Army. He arrived in Huntsville in late 1952 and was assigned to the newly formed 9330th Technical Service Unit as a test engineer in the Guided Missile Development Division headed by Dr. Werner von Braun. He remained with the von Braun team as it merged into the Army Ballistic Missile Agency and then into the Marshall Space Flight Center of NASA in 1960. His career was filled with engineering and management assignments in the Science and Engineering Directorate from the very beginning of U.S. space activities until his retirement in 1994.
Carl was an active member of St. Marks Lutheran Church from his arrival in 1953 to his death. He taught adult Sunday school and sang in the choir for over 40 years and remained active in the life of St. Marks; serving one time as the Vice Chairman of the Church Council. He was also active in the Southern Synod of the Lutheran Church. He was an avid student of the histories and cultures of the world; in particular, early Jewish and Christian development. He loved fishing, hiking, camping, his crossword puzzles and his computer, which gave him much joy in his retirement.
Survivors include his beloved wife and best friend of 63 years, Gisela Stein Rieger; son, Mark Carl Rieger (Paula); grandchildren, Matthew Wells Rieger, Abigail Rieger McCrory (John), and Austin Lang Rieger; cousins; and his St. Marks family.
Carl wanted to be remembered as a faithful believer and servant of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
A memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on September, 24, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Rev. Gary Soops will officiate. Internment will be in the St. Marks columbarium.
Memorials should be made to St. Marks Lutheran Church, 200 Franklin St., Huntsville, AL 35801.
