"I am sorry to learn about the death of Gertrude Marie Breuer Riffel. This must have been a difficult time for all. Therefore, I am forwarding scripture to bring solace. Please, read the following scriptures: James 4:14, John 6:35-40, 44 and John 11:25, 26."
In loving memory of
Gertrude Marie Breuer Riffel
September 28, 1910 - December 10, 2010
Gertrude Marie Breuer Riffel, 100, of Pleasant View Luther Home, Ottawa, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2010.
Gertrude was born in Des Moines County, Iowa, in 1910, the daughter of John and Clara Breuer, and the eldest sister of Leota (Riffel) and Rosella (Trueper), both deceased. In 1939 she married Ralph Riffel, and in 1947 the couple moved to Mediapolis, where they owned and operated Riffel Hardware and Appliance until 1957. In Mediapolis Gertrude served on the Library Board, and was active in the Garden Club. Ralph died in 1979, twelve years after they had moved to the Chicago area to be close to their daughter. While living in Evergreen Park, IL, Gertrude volunteered at the local Senior Center, performed in many theatrical productions, and enjoyed singing with the "Wooden Nickel Chorus". She took piano lessons when she was in her seventies, and was an avid reader all her life. She lived at The Manor in Sandwich, IL for seven years before going to Pleasant View Luther Home, in 2002.
Gertrude's family includes, daughter, Jeanne (Gerald Vaver) of Sheridan, IL; son Robert/Bob (Vivian) Riffel of Franklin Furnace, OH; grandsons, Anthony (Martha Heller) Vaver of Westborough, MA and Jon (Kristin) Vaver of Lafayette, CO; granddaughters, Maria Vaver (Steven Zike) of Salt Lake City, UT, Kristen (Rick Erwin) of Corpus Christi, TX and Jamie (Jerry Gray) of Laingsburg, MI; and nine great-grandchildren.
Jeanne and Bob will gather with classmates, neighbors, family and friends to celebrate Gertrude's life on Monday, December 13th in Lunning Chapel from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
A memorial mass for Gertrude will be held on Tuesday, December 14th at 10:30 a.m. in SS Mary and Patrick Catholic Church, West Burlington. The Rev. David Steinle will be the celebrant.
Private burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery on Monday, December 13th, following a service for the immediate family with Rev. Randall Gearhart officiating.
Tributes
"I have fond memories of your dear mother. She let you and I decorate the hardware store windows and gave us peanut butter and crackers while we watched Howdy Doody. She had the best smile . . ."
"Bob and Vivian, Hope you made it safely. Please know we are thinking of you at this sad time. God has a very special place for your mother Bob and she loved you very much."
"Aunt Gertrude was a loving, thoughtful Aunt who was so creative and a great baker too! She was a cousin to my Dad and married to my Mom's brother!! I am happy to know I have a centurian in my bloodlines."
"Winona - my kids, Mom, and I went back for a Breuer reunion when Tony was 14 (1979) and he still remembers what fun the cousins, aunts and uncles had, telling family stories and jokes and being together. He treasures this experience as part of his family history."
"Jeanne, losing my mother was a difficult time in my life and I will be thinking of you and praying for you. "
"My mother was a cousin to Gertrude and I remember how much she loved her Breuer cousins! They spent many Sundays at their grandparents home and there were precious memories. Mother was Alta Benkert Riemann. She passed away in 1993. I hope it blesses her family to know she is being remembered with love. "