Michael Frederick Riebe

Obit of Michael Riebe

Mike was born in Milwaukee on December 14th 1942 to Elaine (Loeding) and Frederick Riebe, he passed away at the age of 83, on Wednesday January 28, 2026.

Mike was a devoted family man, and often said his wife Paula of over 58 years, had been the strength of their family. This includes daughters, Stephanie (Eric) and Heather; their grandchildren, Jenna, Michael, Molly, and Rebecca (Becca); great-grandson River. This also includes their two Foreign Exchange sons, Taisto from Finland and Christoph from Germany.

Mike was especially proud of his service to our country. Ten days after graduating from West Bend High School in 1960, he enlisted in the Air Force at age 17 for four years. After being discharged, he continued his service to all Veterans as a 43- year member of S/Sgt. Henry F. Gumm, Post 486, American Legion, Jackson.

In 1966, he became a Wisconsin State Trooper for almost 10 years. Mike resigned to open and operate their business, Hopps-N-Schnapps Liquor Haus in Jackson. During these ten years, he was very active in the Jackson Area Business Association, serving 3 years as president.

After Mike completed his Law Enforcement degree he continued his police work with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. Four years later he was promoted to Detective. After he retired in 2001, he was rehired as both a part-time Special Deputy and Bailiff for an additional 25 years.

Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time at the cabin. He was also a WIAA Basketball & Volleyball official for over 30 years.

Those left to cherish Mike’s memory include his wife, Paula; daughters Stephanie (Eric) and Heather; grandchildren Jenna and Becca, Michael and Molly and great grandson River; brothers James Riebe and Patrick (Kris) Riebe; sister, Theda (Riebe) Hewuse; sisters-in-law Ann (Kramer) Dornfeld and Trudy (Hauser) Kramer, many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Mike is preceded in death by Elaine and Conrad Haas (Carmen Haas), Fredrick Riebe, In - Laws Ray and Margaret (Naber) Kramer, brothers- in- law Richard Kramer and Gary Dornfeld, Sister- in- Law Louise (Kramer) Severson.

VISITATION: Mike’s family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., at Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service (1315 W. Washington Street, West Bend). Legion Post 486 will do a walk-through following visitation at 1:30 p.m.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: A memorial service in honor of Mike will take place at Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service following visitation at 1:30 p.m., with Father Kevin Kowalske officiating the service. Burial will follow at Washington County Memorial Park in West Bend.

In lieu of flowers donations for the American Legion Post 486 scholarship fund are appreciated in Mike’s memory, Kettle Morine Lutheran High School in Jackson, or the Kathy Hospice.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Mike’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book can be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.