Julia M. Rieger

Julia M. Rieger, 92, of Traverse City, passed away Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at her home.

Julia was born at home on the farm to Martin and Helen (Kolarik) Korson on October 4, 1923. She walked five miles each day (up hill both ways) to Houdek School, a one room school. She could only speak Bohemian. After eighth grade, she attended St. Mary's School in Lake Leelanau. Following high school she worked at Michigan Bell for 25 years as a chief operator (manager)

She married Clarence Rieger on October 8, 1947 in Traverse City and were married for 27 years before her husband passed away. In 1956, they moved to Kalamazoo and later to Hillsdale and then retired back to Traverse City in 1990. She traveled with her sisters Philomena and Bernadine, visiting Australia, New Zeeland, Alaska, Cancun, Medjugorje and Aruba.

The oldest of 13 children, her younger siblings were Lucille (Walter) Younglas, Philomena Korson, Dorothy (Louis) Bramer, Philip (Joan) Korson, Bernadine (John) Gallagher, Catherine (John) McLenithan, Emma (Gary) Gallagher, Helen (Raymond) Galla, Magdalen (Thomas) Gavin, Martin (Phyllis) Korson, S. Tom (Marie) Korson and Ann Korson. Julia was preceded in death by her husband, her sisters, Dorothy, Lucille, Philomena and foster-sister Anna Popa. Julie had two godchildren, Julie (Korson) Ventinaglio and Martin (Beau) Korson. She has 50 nieces and nephews, over 100 great nieces and nephews and several great great nieces and nephews.

Julie received excellent care in her final weeks from her sister-in-law, Marie Korson. The family is so blessed to have such a kind and helpful sister.

Visitation for family and friends will take place Sunday, Aug. 21 from 4 until 8 p.m. at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home where a wake service will take place at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be directed to mass intentions or to the St. Francis Food Pantry.