Richard Emery Reiner

Richard Emery Reiner, 96, of Granger, Indiana, passed away peacefully at 12:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born July 26, 1930, in South Bend, Indiana, to Emery and Florence (Griman) Reiner and was a lifelong resident of the area. He was salutatorian of his 1948 Central Catholic High School class. He proudly served in the United States Naval Reserves from January 24,1951 through January 23, 1959. Richard devoted his entire career of 47 years to 1st Source Bank, retiring June 30, 1995, as Vice President and Loan Officer.

On November 26, 1983, Richard married the love of his life, Dawn L. Haskins, who survives him and they welcomed two children. Prior to this marriage, he was married to Louise J. (Cudowski) Reiner with whom he had eight children. His marriage to Louise was an important chapter in his life, centered on raising their large family. The two families blended into one close-knit family filled with love, laughter, and new cherished traditions including family holiday gatherings, gingerbread house competitions, murder mysteries, traveling together, and annual themed Christmas parties. These shared experiences were some of Richard’s happiest moments.

Richard is survived by nine of his children: David (Margaret) Reiner of Buchanan, Michigan; Dennis (Judy Kulczar) Reiner of Mishawaka, Indiana; Karen (Dan) Louderback of Mishawaka, Indiana; Douglas (Dina) Reiner of Holland, Michigan; James (Michele) Reiner of Atlanta, Georgia; Leslie (Doug) Mann of Evans, Georgia; Amy (Peter) Lefton of Hockessin, Delaware; Heather (Geoffrey) Saturley of Cherry Hill, New Jersey; and Daniel Reiner (Carlos Maas) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He also leaves behind 20 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, his sister, Lorraine (Peter) Ryan of Granger, Indiana, and his special niece, Barbara Cudowski of Mishawaka, Indiana.

Richard was preceded in death by his son, Mark Scott Reiner, on July 24, 1969; his brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Shirley Reiner; and his former wife, Louise J. Reiner.

At his core, Richard was a kind and gentle man. When people described him, they often said he was “the nicest man I’ve ever met.” He never had a bad word to say about anyone and was always the first to jump in and help. His warmth, gentle humor, generosity, and genuine charity toward others made people feel comfortable and valued. He listened—truly listened—and when you talked to him, you knew he was always on your side. He had a special ability to make everyone feel as though they were the most important person in the room.

He was also known for his wonderful sense of humor and his collection of “Dad-isms,” including his familiar reminder that “life is not fair.” His humor had a way of putting things into perspective and making difficult moments a little easier.

Faith was the foundation of Richard’s life. He was a devoted Catholic who faithfully followed the teachings of the Catholic Church. He prayed the Rosary daily and treasured the Scriptures that had been passed down to him in elementary school by his favorite nuns, especially Sister Hermengild. He lived by the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” His faith was reflected not only in what he believed, but in the way he treated others—with kindness, patience, compassion, and love.

Above all, Richard’s most prized possession was his family. He was incredibly proud of every member of his family and celebrated their accomplishments, encouraged them through difficult times, and made each person feel loved and important. His family was his greatest joy and the legacy he treasured most.

As a lifelong learner, Richard remained sharp, curious, and engaged until the very end. He enjoyed woodworking, building model airplanes, and doing the daily Jumble to keep his mind sharp. He was also an incredible handyman. With ten children, there was always something that needed fixing around the house, and Dad could fix anything—he was always ready with his tools, his knowledge, and his willingness to help.

Richard was a devoted and lifelong Yankees and Notre Dame football fan. He also loved playing softball for 1st Source Bank and the Senior Softball League, playing until he was 75 years old. He loved playing alongside his buddies and especially enjoyed having his family come to watch him play. Afterward, the family would gather for Barnaby’s pizza, creating memories that remain some of his family’s favorite.

Everything Richard did was rooted in what mattered most to him: God, family, love, and kindness. He lived those values every day, quietly and consistently, and in doing so left an extraordinary example for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Richard’s greatest legacy is not simply the life he lived or the accomplishments he achieved, but the way he made people feel. He made people feel heard. He made them feel supported. He made them feel important. Most of all, he made them feel loved and that is why he will be deeply missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 15, 2026 in Holy Cross Church, 1050 Wilber Street, South Bend, Indiana.  Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 14 in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana where a rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m.  

Memorial contributions may be in Richard’s honor to his church family, Holy Cross Parish.

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