Herbert Herbie Riehle

Herbert (Herbie) John Riehle, 91, Athens died Friday, April 6, 2018 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 21, 1926 in Athens, son of the late Peter and Elizabeth (Albrecht) Riehle. On August 4, 1956 he married Irene Dahl at the old St. Francis Catholic Church, Merrill. She survives. Herbie attended St. Anthony's Catholic School in Athens and was proud to be a lifelong resident of Athens. Herbie owned a Dairy Farm in Athens, worked at Fry Roofing in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Janke Construction in Athens and also he worked at Buetsch Implement Marathon, WI until retirement 1988. He enjoyed being a mechanic and helping out anyone who needed something fixed. He took pride in sharing his knowledge and sharing endless stories of his experiences, including owning his own service shop just outside of Athens in the 1950's. He was a talented welder and one fond memory was when he climbed up into the steeple of St. Anthony's Church in Athens, carrying his welding cord and he welded the bell. He also enjoyed many years of gardening including making homemade sauerkraut and horseradish, as well as making several kinds of homemade sausages and he has passed on these skills to his children. Herbie proudly served his country in the United States Marines from 4/1/52-4/1/54 during the Korean War. Survivors include his wife Irene, Athens; eight children; Shirley (Leon) Lewandowski, Portage, WI; Steven (Jean) Riehle, Merrill, WI; Scott Riehle, Weston, WI; Susan (John) Kamenick, Mosinee, WI; Sally Ziech, Reedsburg, WI; Stanley (Marcia) Riehle, Fenwood, WI; Stephen (Sara) Riehle, Wausau, WI; and Stacie Ziegel, Reedsburg, WI; 18 grandchildren, Mandy, Travis, Kelli, Christopher, Tyler, Ashley, Brandon, Brett, Brittney, Dylan, Melaney, Kaitlyn, Zachary, Madilyn, Lilyan, Courtney, Sami and Sophie; eight great grandchildren, and one sister Coletta Mader, Kronenwetter, WI. Besides his parents he was proceeded in death by one daughter, Sherrie; brothers John and Arnold, and sisters Esther, Rita and Merceda. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. The Rev. George Graham will preside. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to all the doctors, nurses and staff with Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the outstanding care they all provided to Herbie while under their care.