Elmer John Riebkes

Elmer John Riebkes age 94 of Iowa Falls passed away Friday, October 20, 2023, at Scenic Manor in Iowa Falls.  Funeral service for Elmer Riebkes will be 10:30 AM Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Austinville Christian Reformed Church, 31871 2nd Street, Austinville, Iowa, 50608.  Burial will be at Union Cemetery, Iowa Falls, Iowa.  Visitation will be Wednesday, October 25th, 2023, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at Linn’s Funeral Home, 1521 Washington Avenue, Iowa Falls, Iowa, 50126.  Cards may be sent to Elmer Riebkes Memorial, %Linn’s Funeral Home, 1521 Washington Avenue, Iowa Falls, Iowa, 50126.

Elmer John Riebkes was born on April 12, 1929, at his parents’ home in German Township, Grundy County, IA. He was the first born to John and Anna (Huesman) Riebkes. Elmer was baptized at West Friesland Presbyterian Church and attended country school in Wellsburg, IA. 

Elmer married the love of his life Betty Lou King on November 23, 1951, at the Congregational Church in Iowa Falls, IA. To this union God gave them two children, Craig John and Dee Ann. The couple were granted 68 years of wedding bliss. 

Elmer was in management with Fareway Stores, Payless Cashways, and retired from Campbell’s Supply in 1994. Along with his strong work ethic came many hobbies. He was a master-gardener who sold his produce at the local Farmer’s Market. He was best known for his mammoth sized tomatoes. He was an avid coon hunter and trapper. Elmer raised a variety of animals including fox, sheep, rabbits, hogs, chickens, and geese. He was on the men’s bowling league. Elmer’s first language was German in which he loved teaching to the youth and was a member of the German choir in Wellsburg. Elmer was an active member of the Austinville Christian Reformed Church where he faithfully served as an elder and deacon. He was a devoted Christian, husband, father, brother, and grandfather. Those left to honor his memory include his son Craig (Kimberly) Riebkes of Huntsville, TX, and daughter Dee Ann (Kirk) Bond of Iowa Falls, IA. Sister Sylvia Eiklenborg of Aplington, IA. Brothers Melvin Riebkes of Cedar Falls, IA, Lary (Rozella) Riebkes of Wellsburg, IA, Leland (Judy) Riebkes of Wellsburg, IA. Six grandchildren: Jenni, Joey, Justin, Ryan, Katelyn and Natelyn. Five great grandchildren: Lilly Ann, Luka, Matthew, Riley Kay, and Erick. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and granddaughter Katie Elizabeth Riebkes.

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