Wayne Edward Riebe, 90, of Ottawa, passed away on Friday evening, February 24, 2023 with his family by his side and the song “Oh How I Love Jesus” playing.
Visitation will be at 1:00 pm followed by a Memorial Service at 2:30 pm on Sunday, March, 12, 2023, at Fox River Lutheran Church, Norway, IL with Pastor Kevin Garner, officiating. Full Military Rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post #0033 following the Service. Burial will be private at the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Oakwood Memorial Park at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
Wayne was born July 26, 1932 to Alfred Otto and Delphine (Hill) Riebe. He was also dearly loved and cared for by Tom and Frieda Navins.
Wayne attended Zion Lutheran Parochial Grade School and was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School. In 1952, he was drafted into the U.S. Army serving in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri where he married the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Rena Galletti. Wayne was a member of the Ottawa American Legion Post #0033. Wayne was pleased to participate in the 2016 Honor Flight to Washington DC accompanied by his son, Daron and dear friend, John Boe.
He went to electrical school in Chicago, made his home in Ottawa, worked at Libbey Owens Ford, and Union Carbide/American Hoechst until his retirement. Through the years, he served his community; cub-scout leader, little league coach, union representative and 10 years LaSalle County Health Board member. He played for Farm Bureau fastpitch softball teams, and was the last surviving member of the acclaimed 35r’s team.
Wayne started his Christian walk at Zion Lutheran Church serving as Sunday School Teacher, Trustee, and Elder. Wayne continued his Christian worship at Faith Lutheran and Fox Lutheran Churches, participating in vacation bible schools as he found joy in seeing children walk with the Lord. He was blessed to travel to Estonia on a mission trip.
Following his retirement, Wayne and Rena wintered in Florida, and traveled extensively, including anywhere the family wanted to go! A die-hard Cub fan and Pittsburgh Steeler fan forever!
“Bumpa Wayne” loved attending and traveling to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s school functions, sport events, dance and music productions, and anything else he could do to support these beloved children as they were his pride.
If you knew Wayne, you knew he had a gift of gab, a great sense of humor, a wonderful smile and a very hot cup of coffee in hand!
Wayne is survived by his wife of 69+ years Rena; his children, Darcy (Mark) Varland, Ottawa, Daron Riebe, Tampa, FL, Michelle (Tom) Hale, Waikoloa, HI, and Wayne (Melissa) Riebe, Mercer, WI; Grandchildren, Adrianna (Ben) Cockrel, Alyssa (Jared) Mundt, Claire Riebe, Ian Riebe, Danielle (Michael) Mroczek, Devin (Kelsey) Hale, Wayne Riebe Jr, Marisa Riebe, Brittany Riebe; and nine great grandchildren. One brother, James (Linda) Riebe.
He will join in heaven his parents, brothers Alfred and Ernest “Buddy,” sister Sheila Sarver, and honorary parents Tom and Frieda Navins.
Memorials may be directed to the Ottawa PADs Shelter and Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child.
Wayne has been laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum in the Sanctuary of Prayer at Oakwood Memorial Park.
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