David W. Riebe

Riebe, David W. July 24, 1928 – November 6, 2006. David Riebe was born July 24, 1928 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Edward and Charlotte Riebe. He passed away peacefully with family on November 6, 2006. He was preceded in death by Lois, his wife of 48 years, in 2004. Dave graduated from South High in Minneapolis in 1946. He promptly entered the Army and was stationed in Italy before receiving an honorable discharge. He graduated from The Minneapolis School of Art, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Dave later met Lois Marie Hellie, married in 1956, and together raised their two children, Todd and Allison. Dave had a long career as a highly respected art director in the Minneapolis area. His real passion, however, was watercolor painting. A renowned watercolorist, Dave would paint as much as he could, whenever he could. He would take the family on travels throughout the United States, which was really Dave's excuse to scout out more subjects for painting. Dave has had numerous one-man shows in Midwestern galleries and corporations. His work can be found in many private collections, and is represented in galleries in several states. He has received numerous awards for his art. Dave's most well known achievement, however, was assisting Courage Cards and Courage Center, a non-profit organization that helps children and adults with disabilities. He was honored to know that his art helped so many people. Ironically, Dave later experienced disability himself and had to learn to paint in a new way because of vision loss as a result of macular degeneration. Dave will be truly missed by family and friends. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who had a passion for life. He is survived by his son Todd Riebe, daughter-in-law Teresa Pichay, grandchildren Matthew, Rachael, Joshua and Elizabeth of Jackson, California and daughter Allison Schmidt, son-in-law Rodney Schmidt, and grandchildren Abigail and Natalie of Dripping Springs, Texas. A private inurnment will be held in Jackson, California. A celebration of his life and his art is planned for January 13th at 3:00 p.m. at the Chart House; 11287 Klamath Trail, Lakeville, MN (952) 435-7156. Condolences may be offered to the family via e-mail at [email protected]. Memorial contributions may be made to the Courage Center (763) 520-0542 or www.courage.org.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.