Melvin Herman William Rieches

Melvin Herman William Rieches, 99, of Milford, Illinois went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 8:08 a.m. He was born on November 7, 1926 to Herman and Ella (Seggebruch) Rieches. He was baptized on December 5, 1926 and confirmed on April 19, 1942 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford. He attended Cherry Grove School in Milford, Illinois until 9th grade. He was then called upon to work with his family farming.
In 1946, Melvin met the love of his life, his wife, Sarieta Mae Willenbrock who was of Kankakee through the Walther League Church Youth Group. Melvin and Sarieta married on November 28, 1948. They were married for 65 years. Sarieta preceded him in death on January 26, 2014. They had five children.
Melvin is survived by Connie Hartley of Milford, Illinois, Marla Rieches of Milford, Illinois, Richard (Charlene) Rieches of Milford, Illinois, and Lynn Corelli of Boca Raton, Florida. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Cheri (Richard) Tyler of Queen Creek, Arizona, Neil (Courtney) Rieches of Milford, Illinois, Cari Gray of Bloomington, Illinois, Cory (Megan) Rieches of Hoopeston, Illinois and Tyler Rieches of Milford, Illinois; great-grandchildren, Zoe Perryman of Queen Creek, Arizona, Ryleigh Rieches of Milford, Illinois, Paytyn Gray of Bloomington, Illinois, Hailey Rieches of Milford, Illinois, and Mason and Maxwell Rieches of Hoopeston, Illinois; and one brother, Robert (Chris) Rieches of Milford, Illinois.
Besides his wife, he was also preceded in death by both of his parents; son-in-law, John Corelli; two sisters, Ruby Hasselbring and Arlene Hines; and one infant daughter, Cheryl Ann.
He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford, Illinois.
Melvin spent most of his youth and adolescent years working, farming, and repairing/building farm machinery. His first place of employment was with W.E. German that owned International Harvester Co. Dealer. From there, he was self-employed for the majority of his adult life. He was a business owner of the Rieches Standard Oil Station and Rieches Service Center.
Melvin was very involved in his community. He was a volunteer firefighter starting in 1954 then became Fire Chief of Milford Fire Department from 1967 to 1982. Melvin also served on the Milford Village Town Board for 26 years. Of the 26 years, he served as Mayor of Milford, Illinois for seven years.
Melvin had a love for gardening and wood working. He enjoyed restoring old furniture and making things even out of old cookie boxes. He enjoyed playing cards and spending time on his porch (his Florida room). Melvin always enjoyed an afternoon ice cold beer or 3:00 p.m. CC. He enjoyed his trip to Culvers for his chocolate ice cream with cookie dough.
Melvin was a very humble, caring, easy going man. He was loved by all that came in contact with him whether it be family, friends, doctors/nurses, or the waitress at a restaurant. He could always bring a smile to your face. He enjoyed his coffee times with friends. Melvin was very organized and kept everything. He could tell you the history or story with dates about anything.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford, Illinois with Rev. Doug Minton, Rev. John Franklin, and Rev. Karl Gibbs officiating. Burial will be held in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford, Illinois.
Memorials may be made to the Iroquois Memorial Hospice or Milford Ambulance.
Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford, Illinois.
Please share a memory of Melvin at www.knappfuneralhomes.com. To send flowers to the family of Melvin, please visit our floral store.