Edie was born June 15, 1939 to parents Wilbert and Willmette Klockow. She joined her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on August 28, 2020, age 81. Preceded in death by her late husband, William “Bill” Riebe. Loving mother of Jan (Bill) Kroeschell, Alan (Katherine) Riebe and Dave (Jenice) Riebe. Proud “Granny” of six grandchildren. Sister of Don (Carol) Klockow. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Edie graduated from Pulaski High School in 1957 and completed Milwaukee Lutheran Hospital’s School of Nursing program in 1960. It was during her clinicals that she met Bill Riebe, a patient of another nurse. They dated several years and were married in 1961.

Edie began her nursing career as a pediatric nurse at St. Michael Hospital.  Edie and Bill moved to the suburbs in 1962, and Edie left her job in 1963 when they decided to start a family.  At their Sussex home, they had ample space to raise their kids and for Edie to enjoy tending her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. The three kids have “fond” memories of weeding and picking/prepping/canning fruits and vegetables. Many rhubarb and apple pies were baked from the bounty that she grew!

In 1966 Edie resumed nursing at Medical Associates Health Center (Menomonee Falls, WI) where she worked for 25 years. In 1977 she transitioned from patient care to coordinating outpatient clinical trials. This ultimately led to another career change when IBRD asked her to join their contract drug research firm. “Retiring” from Medical Associates in December 1990 started a 13-year run as a Clinical Research Coordinator for IBRD/Phoenix/MDS.  Edie loved her time traveling to the many clinics that hosted drug research studies and getting to know the staff at each one. She was proud of all her airline miles and would use them to take Bill or one of their kids to the conferences when they were hosted in a warm place.

In 1963 Edie and Bill started a tradition with Edie’s brother, Don and his family going to “Copp’s Cabins” in northern Wisconsin. Every summer they spent two weeks “Up North” where fond memories were forged for the whole extended family. Waterskiing, tubing, bonfires, Paul Bunyan’s breakfast, naps in the sun, snacks, and lots of card games were part of the fun.  Edie enjoyed getting in a few rounds of golf and beating her tennis opponents. Everyone feared Edie’s killer serve, especially when she wore her tennis shirt printed with, “I’ve got the racket, if you’ve got the balls!” In 1987, Bill and Edie bought their own cabin “Up North” in Minocqua, WI. They spent as much time as they could at their cottage, aptly named Sans Souci - “without a care/worry.” One to never mind driving, Edie would think nothing of flying home to Milwaukee Airport from a business trip and then driving four hours to Sans Souci for some peace and quiet in “God’s country.”

Bill and Edie were active members of Redeemer Church for many years, where Edie spent several years on the council as Financial Secretary. She was known to speed home after church so she could get the offering count done before the anticipated Packer game on Sundays. Later they joined Elmbrook Church where Edie’s relationship with the Lord deepened by participating in Bible studies led by Jill Briscoe. She also loved radio preacher, Charles Swindoll, (“St Chuck” as he was known in our house), as well as music by The Gaithers, and Dallas Holm & Praise.

Edie’s other favorites worth mentioning: The Packers; sewing and knitting (she won top prizes at the Wisconsin State Fair for over 10 years); reading; Peanut M&M’s; jigsaw puzzles; The Packers; popcorn; count cross-stitch (she made Christmas stockings for each child, their spouse and each grandchild plus numerous projects for co-workers and friends); playing Bridge with friends and neighbors; teaching her kids to Polka; The Packers; sending humorous cards to friends and family for special occasions or no occasion at all; Double Solitaire against anyone who was willing to take on the challenge; long walks and throwing sticks at the lake with her beloved dogs; and Go Packers!!

Edie’s family appreciates the staff at Heritage Court Memory Care who graciously cared for Edie the past 12 years. Special attention was provided by case managers: Debbie, Kate and Pat.  Thank you.  Much gratitude goes to Katherine Riebe who, throughout Edie’s 18-year dementia journey, lovingly oversaw the details of her mother-in-law’s needs and advocated for her. The family is also grateful for the many others who showed love to Edie by sending cards and notes, visiting her, and providing hospice care in the last years of her life.