"Merlyn and Sharon and family, my thoughts are with you. I didn't know Gerald,but I'm sure Tom did. Eileen and Family"
In loving memory of
Gerald Rieber
March 29, 2010
Gerald W. Rieber, 47 of Macedonia, IA died on March 29, 2010 at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, NE after a lengthy illness.
Gerald was born in Red Oak, IA on January 27, 1963 to Merlyn and Sharon (Fisher) Rieber of Griswold, IA. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Gerald started school at Carson-Macedonia and graduated from Griswold Community High School in 1981. After high school, he farmed with his father in the Griswold-Macedonia area. In the 1980's & 1990's, Gerald and his dad owned and operated one of the 1st commercial hay grinding businesses in Southwest Iowa serving many cattle feeders in several counties.
Gerald married Diane Bergstrom of Griswold on August 27, 1990 and they soon moved to a farm west of Macedonia. He and Diane worked side by side on their farming operation for the past 20 years. When not busy working, Gerald and Diane enjoyed spending time camping, fishing, and watching their dogs play on their farm in the Morton Mills area. Gerald was an excellent mechanic, welder, metal fabricator and worked on most of his own equipment when he was able. He was also a Macedonia Township Trustee. His hobbies include woodworking and moving dirt and snow.
Gerald was preceded in death by his father-in-law Lyle Bergstrom; his paternal grandparents, Walter and Vera Rieber; his maternal grandparents, George and Margaret Fisher.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife Diane of Macedonia; his parents Merlyn & Sharon Rieber of Griswold and Yuma, Az; his sisters Connie and husband Frank Jones of Cumberland and Brenda Rieber and Jerry Saab of Eureka Springs, AR, his brother Jason and wife Tina Rieber of Griswold; mother-in-law Jeanette Bergstrom of Griswold; sister-in-law Glenda and husband Jim Wyman of Griswold and his brothers-in-law Denny and wife Guyla Bergstrom of Dell City, Texas and Greg Bergstrom of Red Oak. His nieces and nephews Chad, Erik, Ashley (DiMauro) and Colton Jones; Tiara Fields; Colten Williamson, Drake and Ellianna Rieber; JC, Jared, Jonnie and Jodi Wyman; Kelsey and Kasey Bergstrom and Brayton Allen; many close friends and neighbors.
Memorials suggested to The American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org
Tributes
"Diane and family, I am so sorry to hear of Gerald's passing. He struggled for such a long time and although we all know that he doesn't have to fight any longer, it doesn't make it any easier. You will miss him so much. My heart goes out to you. May the prayers of family and friends lift you up and the love of God hold you up during this most difficult time. Sincerely, Greg and Lisa "
"Jason, Connie and the rest of the Reiber family, Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.With sympathy, Kenny and Charlotte."
"To all of Gerald's family; I am so sorry and saddened to learn of Gerald's passing. A life gone too young and too soon, please know that I am thinking of each and everyone of you during this sad time. Remember all the good times to help you through the tough days ahead. Cheryl Todd"
"So sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts & prayers are with you as others, stay strong"
"To All of the Reiber Family, We are very sad to hear of Gerald's passing. We have great memories of all your family and how you made us feel welcome in your homes throughout the years. We remember Gerald as being happy and always willing to help someone out. Remember the good times you had together. He always had a smile and a story to tell. He was a great friend to us and we will always remember what a wonderful person he was to so many. You all are in our prayers. Phillip and Linda Earls and all the "Pheasant Hunters" from Virginia."
"Diane, Just wanted to let you know how sorry I am to hear about Gerald's passing and I am thinking of you."
"Aunt Sharon, Uncle Merlyn, Diane, Connie, Brenda and Jason. My heart goes out to everyone. I will always remember his big smile and his laugh. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. "
"Diane, Uncle Merlyn & Aunt Sharon, Connie, Brenda, Jason & Families, We are so sorry to hear about Gerald. He was a man who'd open his arms to anyone and put a smile on your face. The love he & you shared, Diane, was something that I always took notice of. May God grant you all His peace, and may He strengthen you. I pray the good memories will far outweigh the mourning you're doing now. We're thinking of you and praying for you. Love you all, Warren, Shari & Hannah "
"Diane, Aunt Sharon, Uncle Merlyn, Connie, Brenda & Jason, What does one say? I knew Gerald had been having health problems for the past couple of years but I kept hoping some cure could be found. It has been so hard on all of you watching him struggle to "keep going" one day at a time. However, he is now "free" and independent once again. Don't weep, but "rejoice"! He has paid his "dues" and is now with God, his grandparents and his Aunt Odetta, Aunt Dorothy & Aunt Georgia. I'm sure Grandpa George and Grandpa Walt have "rounded up" a tractor for him and are busy sowing the spring crops to feed the angels. Love to all of you! I'll be there Saturday to give each of you a hug!"
"I am so sorry to hear of Gerald's passing. We all enjoyed having him in our class while at Carson-Macedonia. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Carson-Macedonia class of 1981 Teresa Schroder Bahr"
"Diane & Family Merlyn & Sharon and family I always called Gerald my "Big Teddy Bear". He was very special to Norval and me. He was just three days older than Norm. Gosh, he'll be missed so much. The memories of Gerald and all he was will be with you forever. May all the family and friends around you help comfort you. God be with you. Aunt Marlene and Uncle Norval"
"Diane and family, Your in our thoughts and prayers. Rex & Marian Hoffman and Family"
"Diane, Jason, Connie, Brenda, Aunt Sharon and Uncle Merlyn, Of course I will miss Gerald. I remember all of the family events we had as a kid at your farm and all of the fun we used to have. I am very passionate about family and love each and everyone of my family members. Gerald, Connie and Brenda always felt more like Aunts and Uncle due to the age difference. Diane, you are awesome, always loving and never thought of me as anything other than family. I love you guys. Jason, you are a rock to me even though you don't know it, I love you. Aunt Sharon and Uncle Merlyn, you are great and I love the memories you helped me make as a kid. Gerald will be greatly missed by me and I am thankful he knew the Lord and is with Grandpa and Grandma. I love all of you and will be praying for you for many years to come. "
"Diane and all, I so sorry to hear of Gerald's passing. I always enjoyed doing business with him and the socializing with you both, especially our trip to Nebraska canoeing. His hearty laugh and infectious smile will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Craig Kelley "
"Diane and All the Reiber Family, So sorry to hear of Gerald's passing. He lived life to the fullest and I saw him have many good times with friends, He will be missed, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Toni and Family"
"Diane and family, Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. I never knew Gerald to not have a big ole smile on his face. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Thoughts and prayers Drue and Karen Kirchhoff"
"Diane, Although it is sad to see him go, we all know that he is in a better place and free of pain. You and Gerald welcomed me into the family with open arms and I thank you for that. We love you both and will miss him dearly. If there is anything you may need, please let us know. Erik, Sara Beth, and Hayden Jones"