KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Father Christopher Michael Riehl, former pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville, passed away Nov. 10, 2022, from medical complications related to diabetes.
He had just celebrated his 45th birthday on Nov. 7, 2022, and he was a week shy of his 13th anniversary of priestly ordination.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 1041 N. Central St. in Knoxville, Tenn. Family will receive friends before the service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at 3 p.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1 Mount Olivet Dr. in Chattanooga, Tenn.
He was born in Gowen, Mich., on Nov. 7, 1977. After having moved around during his childhood, he settled in Jefferson City, Tenn., where he graduated from high school. While studying for – and subsequently earning – an associate’s degree with an emphasis in law at Walter State Community College, he began discerning a call to the priesthood. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Conception Seminary in Conception, Mo., and a Master of Divinity from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pa.
In May 2007, he shared the distinction of being ordained a deacon alongside his father, John Riehl, by the Most Rev. Joseph E. Kurtz, archbishop of Louisville. They were ordained at Holy Trinity Church in Jefferson City, their home parish.
On Nov. 14, 2009, Father Riehl was ordained a priest by the Most Rev. Richard F. Stika, bishop of Knoxville.
Father Riehl loved sports, regularly played golf, watched football with his family and friends, and frequently explored the outdoors. While he was also an excellent cook who found immense joy preparing exceptional meals for those he loved, his true love was for Our Lord Jesus Christ and His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through his deep devotion to Mary, Mother of God, Father Riehl had recently published a book entitled “Listen to Our Lady” and was working on a second book.
Father Riehl spent several years in ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte, including as administrator and later pastor of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Waynesville and Immaculate Conception Mission in Canton from 2014 to 2017. Prior to that, he served at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Charlotte from 2013 to 2014.
Father Riehl is survived by his parents, Deacon John and Shirley Riehl; siblings Suzie, Jeff, Jennifer, Tony, Cindy and Tim; and 11 nieces and nephews. He will be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know a beloved son and brother.
Click Funeral Home & Cremations – Middlebrook Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald