Gerald James Riebel, one of three sons of Bernard and Minnie (Klinker) Riebel, was born on April 28, 1933, on the family farm in Prairieville Township in Brown County, Minnesota. He attended country school #60 for the early years of his education and then went to St. Mary’s Catholic School where he graduated. Gerald enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1954, serving in Japan for two years, and he was honorably discharged in 1957.
Gerald returned home to Sleepy Eye and farmed with his dad before acquiring his own farm. He married Evelyn Buggert and they raised their family on the farm until her passing in 1999. Gerald worked hard to support his family. He loved taking care of the animals, especially the small calves. He retired from farming in 2002. In 2008, Gerald married Diane (Sellner) Schieffert and they enjoyed country living on the farm.
Community service was important to Gerald, and he readily gave his time and energy to others. He served on the Prairieville Township Board for 43 years beginning in 1973, the school board for country schools until they closed, St. Mary’s Credit Union Board beginning in 1992, and Brown County Coop Oil Association for several years. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Sleepy Eye American Legion, and Catholic Aid Society. In his free time, Gerald enjoyed tinkering with old Allis-Chalmers tractors, genealogy and woodworking. He was a skilled craftsman and created beautiful wood pieces with great detail.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Diane Riebel; son, Tom and Ann Riebel and their children, Colin and Dillon; stepson, Donn and Shelley Buggert and their children, Laura, Christopher, Jonathan, and Angela; brother, Kenneth Riebel; sister-in-law, Myrt Riebel and other loving relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Evelyn; and brother, Vernard.