Elaine Riebe

Elaine M. Riebe, age 78, of Green Lake, WI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 26, 2021, at home, surrounded by her loved ones.

Elaine Mary Wieland was born on August 1, 1943, in Berlin, WI, the daughter of James and Frances (Resop) Wieland. She graduated from Berlin High School in 1961 and then moved to Milwaukee, where she lived for a time at St. Catherine's Residence, a home established on the Marquette campus to provide safe and temporary housing to the large numbers of young women moving from rural areas to Milwaukee for jobs or schooling. There she met several women who became life-long friends.

While living in Milwaukee, Elaine met a dashing young Navy man, Bill Riebe, while attending a dance at the Eagle's Club. They were married on December 17, 1966. The couple lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia, while Bill finished out his time in the Navy. Their two children were born in Virginia: Douglas Michael and Jennifer Marie. In 1970, the family moved to the Milwaukee area.

Elaine enjoyed her family life and was a wonderful homemaker and mother to her children while also working part time as a data entry operator. She volunteered at church and her children's school as well.

After Bill's retirement, they settled in Green Lake, WI, close to Elaine's hometown of Berlin. She was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church and was involved with the Council of Catholic Women, serving as President, and on the Service Commission. She was also a member of the local Home and Community Education (HCE) chapter, the 59ers, and served as its President. An avid reader, Elaine was also a volunteer at the Caestecker Public Library in Green Lake.

Elaine had a love for gardening and plants. She grew a spectacular garden at their Green Lake home every year. Bill and Elaine enjoyed traveling. Some of the more exotic places they visited were Israel, Egypt, Ireland, and Costa Rica. Elaine also enjoyed playing dominoes with friends.

Elaine was a very special lady whose love and care for others was evident in all she did. Her hospitality, generosity, and graciousness were hallmarks of her life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; her children: Douglas (Toni) of St. Jacob, IL, and Jennifer (Bill) Hensel of Ripon, WI; grandchildren: Brantly (Brynn), Marissa, and Luke Riebe, Scott, Michelle, Kevin, Ryan, and Danielle Cota; great-grandchildren: Presley and Nolan Riebe, Carson, Gage, Ellie Mae, and Jemma Cota, Maddison Slowiak, Alexander Cota, and one on the way; sister, Ruth Ann (Gary) Ellsworth of Scottsdale, AZ; nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Frances Wieland.

Visitation for Elaine will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 530 Ruth St., Green Lake, WI.

Memorial Mass for Elaine will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 1, 2021, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Green Lake, with Rev. Anthony Thirumalareddy officiating. Inurnment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Berlin, WI.

Elaine's family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to ThedaCare Hospice for their kindness and tender care of Elaine during her last months. Memorials may be directed to ThedaCare Hospice, 1818 N. Meade St., Appleton, WI, 54911.

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