Lloyd Wayne Rieger

Lloyd Rieger of Twin Falls, ID passed away at Grace Assisted Living Center the morning of April 12, 2025, in Twin Falls. He was born nearly 102 years earlier in Dora, Missouri to James M. Rieger and Nancy F. (Orwick) Rieger on June 13, 1923. Lloyd was the eldest of six brothers and soon assumed some parental responsibility to his siblings as his mother and youngest brother died when he was only 14 and his father passed when he was 17. Life was truly difficult in the Ozarks during the depression years. Lloyd joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940 to assist his family and sent 83% of his monthly earnings home to his aunt Sarah to help provide his brothers’ care. Among other trades he learned to drive trucks during his two years in the Missouri CCC camps. After completing his service there, he resettled in Twin Falls working for his uncle J.H. Orwick who farmed in the area. In the spring of 1942 at 18 he joined the US Navy and was sent to Camp Farragut for basic training. He served our country as a Fireman on carrier escort ships during the WWII Pacific Theater Island battles three years until his spring 1946 discharge. He received three service medals including a Philippine Liberation Medal. In quiet moments when asked he’d recount his experiences witnessing planes return from bombing runs only to fall into the ocean short of the carrier deck because they were so severely damaged, on fire or out of fuel.

Lloyd returned to Twin again working for his uncle and began what would become a very lengthy professional driving career for several companies. It started with local deliveries of seed, batteries and Wonder Bread then to terminal deliveries for Browning and eventually interstate cattle, produce, refrigerated goods and containers for Wagner Transportation, Mason Brothers, Austin Trucking and Montana Express. He proudly received a Golden Achievement Award on behalf of the American Truck Historical society for 50 years of driving and honoring him as a pioneer of the industry with a handshake from Governor Butch Otter in 2005. Lloyd retired at age 85 from Montana Express though he really didn’t think it was time.

Lloyd married the love of his life, Agnes Crowson, in August 1947 and was welcomed into a large family of nine siblings and devout in laws. They relished 78 years of marriage and one daughter, Sherie (Dave) Keyt of Twin Falls, was born to their union. Lloyd loved family life and was a devoted grandfather to Noell (Sean) Bautista of Twin Falls, Drs. Holly (Colin) Son of San Antonio, Texas and to his four great granddaughters. He never tired of bragging about their accomplishments nor telling them how proud he was of them. In addition to his mechanical and plumbing skills Lloyd apprenticed as a carpenter to his father-in-law Richard for several years increasing his repair and handyman skill collection which he relied upon in care of his home, church and trucks. His weekdays were spent driving but the weekends were devoted to time with family, friends and working tirelessly to maintain the Wesleyan Holiness Church facilities where he attended. It was important to him to wear his suit and tie to worship services where he taught the kindergarten Sunday School class for many years. Lloyd was pleasant and very sociable enjoying the interchange with people in whatever situation came his way. He always had a ready smile and encouraging words for all. His positive attitude remained strong even during his final years when care from the kind and loving staff at Grace became necessary. They enjoyed his jokes and teasing them immensely where Alexa affectionately nicknamed him ‘Big Papa’ in recognition of how comfortable he was in himself and with others. Lloyd expected people to do the right things in life and lived by that standard daily, setting an example for everyone he encountered. At his core he was a kind-hearted, caring and compassionate man who freely gave his time and resources to help others whenever he saw an opportunity.

Lloyd is survived by his daughter Sherie, brother Norman Rieger of Aniston, Alabama, sisters-in-law Frances Wallace, Roseville, CA, Roberta Mount, Mt. Orab, OH, Joy Rieger, West Plains, MO, Gloria Rieger, Stockton, CA and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death three months by his wife Agnes when many friends and family members paid tribute to both through her memorial service. Also preceding him were his parents, brothers Jim Rigger, Alvin, Clinton and Dwight Ray Rieger. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Lloyd’s caregivers, John Tibbits, and the nurses and staff at Grace and Enhabit Hospice for their efforts on his behalf.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Rosenau Funeral Home in Twin Falls. Lloyd’s service will be held there on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11:00 am with viewing before and interment service including military rites following at the Twin Falls Cemetery located at 2350 4th Avenue East. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at Rosenau’s website: www.rosenaufuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Ronald McDonald’s House Charities, Inc., 26345 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1263; Twin Falls Public Library Foundation, 201 4th Ave E, Twin Falls, ID 83301 or to The Mustard Seed Ministries Food Bank, 736 Main Ave N, Twin Falls, ID 83301.