RIEBHOFF, Daniel R. (1963-2020)

RIEBHOFF

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 7/7/2022 at 11:51:37

Daniel Richard Riebhoff
(July 18, 1963 - April 27, 2020)

Family interment of cremains will be in the Indianola IOOF Cemetery. Dan’s family would like you to join them for a celebration of his life on Saturday, July 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Overton Funeral Home, Indianola, following CDC guidelines. Bring a chair, weather permitting, we will be outside.
Dan never met a stranger and his gregarious nature led to new acquaintances which are treasured by his family. As most of you know, he grew up in Lacona, Iowa in an unpretentious, humble, loving family. His dad, Francis (Pops), passed away, but his mom, Barb (Spanky) still lives in Lacona surrounded by loving family and wonderful friends. I can only imagine how lively and gloriously chaotic it was to be the 3rd child of 5 kids in this home. He is loved by siblings, Madonna (Paul) Heller of Wisconsin; Mike (Lisa) Riebhoff of Melcher, Iowa; Monte (Kaylene) Riebhoff of Audubon, Iowa, and his half-sister Debbie Karns-Harker of Alaska. His nieces and nephews adored their uncle Danny and his big personality.
Dan worked hard all of his life with the attitude of reaping the joy of loved ones in his leisure time. He worked as a busboy at Latin King during his summers as a youth and he lived with his Uncle Richard (Willie) during those times. He really enjoyed his time at Sonny Weeks Garage in Milo as a mechanic. He attended Lincoln Technical Institute in Des Moines while working at a Standard Station. When I had the pleasure of meeting him at my cousin’s wedding reception, he was working at Armstrong Tire Plant. After we met, he decided to enlist in the Airforce (I know what you’re thinking - ha). He chose this path for a few reasons. His Dad and sister had served their country and he wanted to fulfill a dream, better his life with more education, and develop strong bonds. Dan and I knew this match, made possible by those that loved us, was going to be perfect and beautiful. Our Air Force life was an adventure that led us to a place everyone wants to be: the frozen tundra of Grand Forks, North Dakota. It was an adventure that created many more life long bonds, lots of life lessons, but most importantly, a bond that was cemented in the foundation of each other and God. We learned about each other’s strengths and weaknesses and leaned on one another. We were definitely opposites when it came to socializing and trying new things ~ Dan truly gave me the “wind beneath my wings” and confidence to push through my limitations. He was fearless. By the time he was discharged from the military we had our first born and it was time to move home to our roots in Indianola to reconnect and forge new bonds. He returned to work at the tire plant and accepted a middle management position but he was not a fan of office work. When they downsized and released their middle management personnel, it truly was a blessing. He called a dear friend and was able to get on with Montgomery/Kone Elevator in their apprentice program. He studied hard to become a Journeyman and took on the “Dan the Elevator Man” title in no time. His last several years were spent working with Schindler Elevator and Local 33, where even more incredible life long bonds were made.
We learned a lot from this man we call, son, brother, uncle, friend, “babe”, dad/ pops. The biggest thing we learned this week is that life will never be the same without Dan. He was everyone’s “go to” and “can do” guy. Dan was also loved by his kids Jon (Katy), Cody, Rachel and I along with my folks, Bob and Janella Guilford and brother-in-law Jon and his son Luke. We will forever have stories and countless “Dan-isms” to share as we will never forget our protector who is gone too soon.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Trinity United Presbyterian Church or the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.
This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/