Jone M. Riester

Our beloved Jone died peacefully on July 22, 2025.

Born in Watertown, Wisconsin on January 3, 1950, she was raised in the loving embrace of Evie and Lester Bocher, with her sister Jan at her side. From an early age Jone found music — especially piano — a soul enriching and world expanding pursuit. Her talent took her to the Conservatory of Music at Lawrence University in Appleton. There she not only excelled at piano and music education, but also found her niche as the “brown-eyed girl” on many a dance floor.

Jone treasured a year spent in London with her sister and devoted life companion, Jan, where they studied at the Royal Academy of Music, and hitchhiked around Europe. Jone returned to the Appleton campus and soon thereafter met Jeff Riester. They fell in love and were married right after Jone’s graduation in June, 1972. Their durable marriage lasted 53 years, a sublime example of love and friendship persevering through life’s many seasons.

Jone taught in the public schools and privately, and lent her talents to many youth musical productions at the First Congregational Church. She actively supported several community and charitable organizations, including the Infant Welfare Circle of the King’s Daughters, the Trout Museum of Art, and Meals on Wheels.

Jone’s supreme devotion in life was to her children, Devon and David. No kids ever had a better mom. She raised them with care, pride and steadfast support. Through concerts, sporting events, travels, schooling, and adulthood, Jone was a devoted guide and confidant. They loved her unconditionally, and always will.

David and Devon built full lives and families, treating Jone to the sweetest gifts of all: Juliet (10), Louie (9), Avery (7), and Dax (4). Their “Jojo” simply radiated love, mostly through laughter and play. Building deeper bonds and making more memories with her grandchildren served as fuel in Jone's (much longer than anticipated) cancer journey. This hard-won extra time fortified rich relationships with each grandchild that will endure well beyond her passing.

Over the years Jone enjoyed many deep, lasting, laughter-filled friendships borne of her authenticity and generosity. Her long-time friends loved her with fierce devotion and open-heartedness. Jone will be missed by many, but remembered with a smile.

In recent years Door County became a cherished place of peace and solitude for Jone. The Baileys Harbor Condominiums and Lawrence University’s "Northern Campus" at Bjorklunden (where Devon was married) became Jone's spiritual home. Her signature achievement — the vibrant gardens at the condos — brought joy to all who resided and visited there. Jone’s ashes will be placed in the Memorial Grove at Bjorklunden, overlooking the lake.

Jone is survived by husband Jeff; daughter Devon (Stevensville MI) her spouse Erik Voster and their kids Louie and Avery; son David (San Francisco) his spouse Katie (Knepley) and their kids Juliet and Dax; sister Jan (Lake Geneva) her spouse Dan Bice and their kids Ben and Brittany and their families.

There will be a service on Saturday, August 9, at 11:00 AM, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 724 E. South River St, Appleton. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. In the Fall the immediate family will say a quiet farewell in the Memorial Grove at Bjorklunden.

Thanks to all who supported Jone with prayers and care these past months, especially members of the remarkable team at the ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center.

If friends wish to make a gift in Jone’s memory please support a charity of your choosing.