Carlos Edwin Kreibich

Carlos Edwin Kreibich, 76, of River Falls, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on January 17, 1949 to Edwin and Phyllis (Kurtzweg) Kreibich in Winona, Minnesota

Carlos grew up on a farm in Alma, Wisconsin and attended Alma Public Schools, participating in football, track, and basketball, where he graduated in 1967. He was a student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where he studied Elementary Education as well as played football for the Falcons, starting and lettering for three years. He was named captain and received the Outstanding Blocker Award. He went on to teach social studies and math, as well as take on the role of assistant principal at Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah Schools in 1971 until retiring in 2007. He served as the varsity football defensive coordinator for the Resorters for 32 years and also coached basketball. It was there where he met and married the love of his life, Ruth Paukert. Carlos had a semi-professional football career in the Central States League, playing offensive line for the Sheboygan Redwings and Manitowoc Chiefs. In 2006, he coached the varsity defensive line for the Plymouth Panthers. After retirement, he continued to share his passion for football, volunteering as the varsity defensive line coach for the River Falls Wildcats. Coach Kreibich edited boxes of VHS video tapes of each game every football season to create a highlight film set to music and would gift each player a copy at the end of the season; evidence of his positive, generous, and encouraging spirit. He always saw the best in people and would support, inspire, and motivate them in many ways. He influenced countless lives on and off the football field. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2011.

He married Ruth in 1973 and they had two daughters, Katherine and Mollie. Carlos and Ruth shared a life focused on love and family. Carlos's family was the center of his life. He loved his ten grandchildren immensely and he lit up every time he was around them, and so did they! He shared his warm heart with them and made each one of them feel so special. He enjoyed being outdoors whether it was hunting, fishing, sports, gardening, or his famous daily morning walks around town! He found beauty and a connection in nature and enjoyed the simple things in life. His positivity was contagious and he was kind to everyone he would meet, sharing his smile or humor. Carlos was known for his homemade English Toffee which he loved to share!

Carlos will be deeply missed by his daughter, Katherine Kogge, and his son-in-law, Kenneth Kogge, and their children Amani, Sophie, Louie, Leo, and Cora and his daughter, Mollie Madia, and his son-in-law, Ashwin Madia, and their children Aria, Ana, Rohan, Kavan, and Eva. He is also survived by his sisters, Cheryl Schreiner and Linda Seitz, as well as his brother Curtis Kreibich and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Phyllis Kreibich and his beloved wife, Ruth.

Carlos will be celebrated in a private ceremony with family.

Memorials may be made to Doctors Without Borders or donations to the family for a park bench in his honor.