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George “Norman” Riebel of Steelville, Missouri passed away Sunday, July 5, 2020 in St. Louis at the age of 78 years, 11 months and 6 days. Norman was born July 30, 1941 in St. Louis to George Otto Riebel and Brenda Pearl Riebel, nee Cape. He was united in marriage to Beverly Jean Riebel, nee Barnicle on September 17, 1960 in St. Louis; and to this union one son and one daughter were born. Norman later married Joyce Trankle in July of 2002.
Norman graduated from Steelville High School in 1959. He was employed as a computer field engineer at NCR starting in St. Louis and retiring from EMC2 in Kansas City in 2007.
Norman was a beloved father to both of his children who will miss him greatly. He was always active with both of his children and taught them all the finer things in life such as trout fishing and turkey hunting. An interesting fact about Norman’s dedication to raising his children properly is how he handled a peculiar illness which first afflicted his son, Kevin, annually upon opening day of turkey season. Norman was quick to realize that the only known cure to his son’s ailment was to be absent from school and alongside his father in the woods trying to call in a gobbler. This same sickness permeated by human to human transmission from Kevin to his sister, Karen, and in this case both children would become gravely ill precisely on the opening day of trout season. Once again, the only known cure at that time was for Norman to pull both children out of school and have them standing on the river bank at Roaring River State Park; ready to cast their line at the sound of the opening day horn. Norman also enjoyed trout fishing with his grandchildren and worked to address the illness that seems to run in the family and only cured at the trout stream.
Norman’s activities with his kids went far beyond hunting and fishing. He coached baseball for Kevin throughout his youth, and only work could keep him from attending and coaching one of Kevin’s baseball games. Norman was equally dedicated to Karen and her sports, and he was proud to attend all of her games throughout her youth and in college. The children still reminisce about their annual summer vacations throughout the country, and these family vacations were always centered around fun and learning. Norman was proud to watch his kids dance and perform musically, and musical instruments were constantly being played in the house. Certainly, Norman took a tremendous amount of pride in his children and grandchildren. Norman also loved the companionship of his little Yorkies, Samson and Delilah.
Norman attended New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Salem. He was a faithful member of the Masonic fraternity, and an active member of Lebanon Lodge #77 in Steelville. He was also a member of the Shriners fraternity as a participative member of the Moolah Temple in St. Louis for over 30 years. Norman was very proud to be a Mason for over 50 years.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents, George and Brenda Riebel; his wife, Joyce Riebel; and brother, Don Riebel.
He is survived by his son, George Kevin Riebel of Decatur, TX; daughter, Karen Swinford of Schaumburg, IL; two grandchildren, Alina-Grace Riebel and Kyle Swinford; sister-in-law, Dolores Riebel of Columbus, OH; other relatives; and friends.
The Family received friends from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.
Masonic services were held at 7:00 pm on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO with Rev. Mike Reno officiating. Special music of "In the Garden" and "Blessed Assurance" was played. Memories were shared by his son, Kevin. The service was Live streamed on Britton-Bennett Funeral Home Facebook page.
Committal prayer and interment were in the Steelville Cemetery. Special music of "Amazing Grace" was sung by Sue Remo.
Honored to be casket bearers were Alina-Grace Riebel, Kyle Swinford, Bob Good, Reno, the service dog, Larry Litz, Larry Branson, Jerry Bryan, Lancy Hyde and Ralph Souders.
The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.
Memorials may be given to:
Shriner's Hospitals for Children - St. Louis, Attn: Development Office, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110
Please state on Memo Line, G. Norman Riebel.
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