Robert “Bob” R. Rieders

Rieders, Robert R. “Bob”, “Jazzman”, of St. Louis, MO, born in New York, NY on 6 Dec 1921, departed Sunday 24 Jan 2016 at the age of 94 in St Louis, MO.

Caring husband of the late Elaine Rieders (nee Richins) for 61 years; dear son of the late Leo and Lottie Rieders; proud father of Larry (Maria) Rieders and Janet (Dave) Rosner; grandfather who cherished his grandchildren: Jeff (Nicole Metz) Rieders, Cassie (Alan Kester) Rieders, Daniel (Krista Hedrick) Rosner, and Michael (Lindsey Probst) Rosner; and great-grandchildren: Nick, Makaila (Metz), Aiden & David Rieders; Nathan, & Braylon Kester; He is also survived by a dear sister-in-law Sylvia, a niece, Susan (Cyrus Kahn) and their children & grandchildren; a nephew, Clifford (Kim) Rieders and their children and grandchildren, distant relatives, and many special friends, including Mel & Harriet Corren of Stockton, CA and Joan Goodson of St Louis. Bob is preceded in death by his brothers Herbert and Maurice Rieders.

Bob was a photographer who began his career in NY in the mid 40’s, then ended up in St Louis by way of KC, MO by the late 50’s; owned and managed three photography studios:  Toyland, Royal Art, and Children’s World that specialized in babies, children, families and weddings in KC, South St Louis and Florissant. He was a member of the Professional Photographers Association (PPA) and had many exhibits of his travel photographs and was also judge and teacher to many students, young and old.

Bob dutifully served his country in the United States Army during WWII, stationed in Paris as a messenger, logistics was his specialty.

His service club memberships included Rotary and Kiwanis. Wherever he travelled, he’d seek out and attend meetings, make long-lasting friendships and share his knowledge. In Kiwanis he rose in the ranks to Lieutenant Governor. Fundraising, Camp Wyman and HOBY (Hugh O’Brien Youth Organization) were near & dear to his heart.

Bob’s worldly travels with his wife often included an Elderhostel that was by way of a Jazz Festival. He enjoyed listening, teaching and sharing jazz. A monthly editorial in the St Louis Jazz Club Bulletin called “Rieders Digest” was his idea and he shared opinions and knowledge about jazz history and bands and musicians (both young and old) which was well-read and talked about. Once they moved into The Gatesworth Independent Living, their last long-term residence (15 years), he began sharing his jazz tapes/dvd’s in the theater. Then he began promoting different musicians and eventually started putting his own musical groups together to perform there. He continued reading and learning whatever he could about everything and anything so when travelling, he could create his own documentary to share with others. He was always well informed and entertaining.

He was a long-time member of the Ethical Society-St Louis where his children and grandchildren (Daniel & Michael) attended. He was an active participant in many of their social and speaking groups.  

He will be fondly missed by all who knew him; learned from him; enjoyed his great stories and conversations about jazz, history and travels; and loved him for his witty-ness and literary play on words.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. 3816 Pay Sphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674. 1-800-242-8721