My father in law, Harry Rizer of Lancaster Ohio

Harry Arthur Rizer
July 28, 1942 — June 4, 2025
Lancaster
Harry Arthur Rizer, 82, of Lancaster, Ohio, passed away at Grant Medical Center on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. He was born on Tuesday, July 28, 1942, to the late Jack Clifford and Eva Winnifred (Weber) Rizer in Haydenville, Ohio.

Harry graduated from Berne Union High School in 1962, where he was a proud member of the Berne Union Rockets football team. As the team’s center, he played a key role in their undefeated season and league championship win in 1960. In honor of their remarkable achievements, the 1960 team was inducted into the Berne Union Hall of Fame in 2019. He went on to work as a brickmason for 38 years and was a dedicated member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers.

Harry had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed rabbit hunting and was a passionate beagler, known for his devotion to his beagles, the Rizer Rabbit Hounds. He was also an avid trapshooter with numerous state and local championships and a member of the Amateur Trapshooting Association since 1991. Above all, Harry was a devoted family man. He treasured every moment spent with his children and grandchildren, instilling in them the values of honesty, hard work, faith, family, and joy. His infectious laughter, love of storytelling– especially tales of his challenging childhood– and his ability to make people smile will all be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

He survived by his loving wife of 48 years, LeAnn (Friesner) Rizer; his children, Marcy Whittle, Matt (Melissa) Rizer, and Dustin Rizer; grandchildren, Casey (Elizabeth) Bennett, Colton (Chloe) Rizer, Kyle (Taylor) Rizer, Colby Rizer, Mason Rizer, Kaleb (Shanna) Rizer; great grandchildren, Catherine Elizabeth Bennett, Wayne Rizer, August Rizer, Stetson Rizer, Zane Rizer, Kasen Rizer. He is also survived by his sisters, Nancy Geiger and Rita Carpenter; sister and brother-in-law, Becky Friesner and Todd (Jane) Friesner, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Eva Rizer; his son, Harry Arthur Rizer II; siblings, Jack Rizer Jr. and Joanne Wildermuth; and his son-in-law, Charles “Chuck” Whittle.