Earl J. Riebel

Earl J. Riebel, age 91, of LaHarpe, Kansas, passed away on March 23, 2020, at Heritage Health Care in Chanute, Kansas.

Earl was born on March 23, 1929, in Westphalia, Kansas to Joseph and Flora (Decker) Riebel. He grew up in the Westphalia area, attending school there. Earl grew up playing baseball and later transitioned to fast pitch softball. He played for over 32 years. Earl met Marjorie M. Weber from Piqua, at a softball game. They were married on January 17, 1949, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Humboldt, Kansas. Earl was one of four Riebel brothers to marry four Weber sisters. Earl was a Korean War Veteran serving in the US Army from 1949 to 1952. As a Corporal in the Army, Earl was a welder when he narrowly escaped being run over by a truck. After returning from Korea they first lived south of Iola until moving to the home that he built south of LaHarpe in 1959. Earl worked at the LeHigh Cement Company in Iola for 20 years until 1971 when the plant closed. He then worked at Monarch Cement in Humboldt before returning to work in Iola, working for the LaFarge Corporation until retiring in 1991 after 35 years of working in the cement plants.

In addition to his work, Earl enjoyed raising cattle, and putting up hay, and custom hauling hay for many years. Earl always had a large garden and a weed was never to be found in the garden. When their children were young, Earl built a baseball field at the farm for them and many of the neighbors' children. One of Earl’s greatest passions was throwing horseshoes, earning a few trophies dating back to his time in the military. Earl taught himself to play the harmonica in the Army, and he continued to play throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marjorie, on March 18, 2014; five brothers, Raymond, George, Leonard, Bernard and Edward Riebel; five sisters, Cecilia McCullough, Mary Batson, Helen Fedders, Dorothy Yokum and Bernice Trowbridge.

Earl is survived by his seven children, Lawrence Riebel and wife, Joy, of LaHarpe, Jerry Riebel and wife, Pam, of LaHarpe, Joseph Riebel and wife, Sherrie of Iola, Christine Ruby and husband, William of LaHarpe, Virginia Utley and husband, Duane of Piqua, Marilyn Wagner of Humboldt and Harold Riebel of Piqua; 16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; one brother, Anthony Riebel of Independence, Missouri; sister, Flora Mae Gaylor of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Funeral rites were held at 10:30 AM Friday, March 27, 2020. Memorials may be left to the LaHarpe VFW Post #6324 and may be left with the funeral home. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .

Earl Riebel's funeral service from March 27, 2020 is accessible here: https://youtu.be/CrqZc8YmB5c