On Monday, August 23, 2021, Father William Alden Riegel, CSB, Basilian priest, educator, and counselor to countless youth passed away peacefully at the age of 73.

Fr. Riegel was born on June 3, 1943 to Alden and Laura (Oulette) Riegel. He graduated from Visitation High School, and went on to receive a Bachelor's degree from the University of Windsor, a Master's of Divinity from the University of St. Michael's College and Master's degree from the University of Notre Dame. He was ordained a Basilian priest on June 3, 1973.

Fr. Riegel's professional appointments include:
● Pontiac Novitiate, Michigan 1961-1962
● House of Studies, Windsor 1962-1966
● Aquinas Institute, Rochester 1966-1968
● Andrean High School, Gary, Indiana 1968-1969
● St. Basil's Seminary Toronto 1969-1970
● St. Basil's College, Toronto 1970-1972
● Newman Center, Toronto 1972-1976
● University of Notre Dame (Graduate Studies) 1976-1978
● Holy Rosary Church, Toronto 1978-1982
● Nazareth College, Rochester 1982-1984
● St. John the Baptist Church, Amherstburg 1984-1988
● St. Basil's Church, Ottawa 1988-1992
● St. John the Baptist Church, Amherstburg 1992-1998
● Assumption Church, Windsor 1998-1999
● O'Connor House, Windsor 1999-2011
● Assumption Church, Windsor 2011-2014
● Basilian Fathers of Novi 2014-2021


Fr. Riegel was preceded in death by his father, Alden, and his mother, Laura, his sister Carol Wood and his nephew Michael Zarem. He is survived by his sisters, Sr. Alice, OP, and Mary, his nephews, David Zarem, Patrick Zarem, Mark Zarem and his nieces, Julie Harris, Catie Benjamin, and Laura Healey.

Funeral Arrangements are as follows:

Friday, August 27, 2021
3:00 - 7:00 P.M. Visitation, CC Chapel of St. Basil
7:00 Vigil Prayer Service
Reception Immediately following

Saturday, August 28, 2021
9:00 - 9:45 A.M. Visitation
10:00 A.M. Mass of the Resurrection
St. Joseph's Parish
8430 S. Lafayette Street
South Lyon, MI 48178

Cards can be sent to:
Mary Zarem/ Alice Riegel
34215 Fountain Blvd
Westland, MI 48185


In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Basilian Fathers Retirement Fund (26095 Taft Rd. Novi, MI 48374) or by visiting https://basilian.org/en/ministries/eldercare .