Donald N. Rishe

Donald N. Rishe, age 96, a life-long resident of Bloomsburg, died Monday afternoon, February 23, 2015 under the care of Geisinger Columbia Montour Hospice at Maria Hall in Danville. Don was born on Friday, October 18, 1918 in Bloomsburg, son of the late Jonathan and Ruth (Karns) Rishe. He attended Bloomsburg area schools graduating from Bloomsburg High School in 1935. Don enlisted in the United States Army prior to World War II traveling with the Army’s war show. Obtaining a commission as 2nd Lieutenant, he served with the 648th Tank Destroyer Battalion. He saw action in France and Germany where he was wounded, receiving the Purple Heart. Don went on to further his education by graduating from the former Bloomsburg State Teacher’s College, and later a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Bucknell University. Don became a teacher and principal of Scott School and later served, and retired as the Superintendent of the Central Columbia School District. He was a member of the First English Baptist Church in Bloomsburg. He was also a member of the Bloomsburg Elks Lodge #436 BPOE for 73 years, serving as Exalted Ruler in 1957-1958. On April 22, 1946, Don married the former Anne Magera, of Mocanaqua. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Anne, on August 30, 2014. Survivors include his five children: Donald N. Rishe II and wife, Rebecca, of Houston, TX; Richard J. Rishe and wife, Janice, of Nescopeck; Suzanne Huff and husband, David, of Nags Head, NC; Maryruth Wagner and husband, Albert, of Bloomsburg; and Judith Hart and husband, William, of Fairfield, OH; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. In honoring Don’s wishes, there will be no public services, and he will be laid to rest beside his late wife, Anne, in the Creveling Cemetery, Almedia. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street in Bloomsburg is honored to be serving the Rishe family. Memorial contributions in Don’s name are suggested to: Frank Kocher Memorial Park, Bloomsburg Elks #436 BPOE Scholarship Fund, c/o Columbia County Conservation District, 702 Sawmill Road, Suite 204, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 and Geisinger Columbia Montour Hospice at Maria Hall, 410 Glenn Ave., Suite 200 Bloomsburg, PA 17815.

Donald N. Rishe

October 18, 1918 - February 23, 2015