John Alan Riefenberg

John Riefenberg was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Elmer and Cassie Riefenberg. He graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. John married Janette Meyer in Luling, Texas on the day of his graduation in 1961. 

John dedicated over 35 years to serving others as a Clinical Social Worker. He worked at Family Services in Shreveport, LA, where he became President of the NASW chapter and helped integrate the chapter. He was Director of Family Services in Corpus Christi, Texas. He also worked at Child Guidance Clinics in Tulsa, Oklahoma. When he moved to Winston-Salem, NC he  became Head of the Social Work department with the Child Guidance Clinic and later worked for Family Services until his retirement. Upon his retirement, he and Janette moved to Charlotte to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

John was a member of the Rotary Club in Corpus Christi and Winston-Salem. He served as a Deacon and Elder at First Christian Church in Winston-Salem. He and Janette are currently members at SouthPark Christian Church in Charlotte.

John loved music, playing in the 90th Division Army Reserve Band and singing in the church choir for many years. He enjoyed stamp collecting, tennis, coaching his children’s soccer and basketball teams, gardening, and being the family historian.

John deeply loved his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Janette; his son, Paul Riefenberg and (wife Terrie); his daughter Erica Donnalley and (husband Kevin); his grandchildren Kayla Donnalley, Thomas Donnalley and Matthew Donnalley; and his sister, Louise Naven of Austin, Texas.

To honor John’s dedication to serving others, the family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to a charity of your choosing.