Service Information
Gale R. Ribar , age 75, of St. Peter, Minnesota, formerly of Arlington, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at River’s Edge Hospital and Clinic in St. Peter.
Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at First Lutheran Church in St. Peter, with interment in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota at a later date.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
Galen “Gale” Richard Ribar was born on November 12, 1947, in Glencoe, Minnesota. He was the son of John and Eleanor (Vinar) Ribar. Gale was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton, Minnesota, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth. He was a graduate of the Brownton High School Class of 1965. He furthered his education at Mankato State University.
Gale entered active military service in the United States Marine Corps on March 28, 1968, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and served his country during the Vietnam Conflict. He received an Honorable Discharge on March 27, 1970 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and achieved the rank of Sergeant.
On January 27, 1968, Gale was united in marriage to Jeanne Dose at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with three children, Michelle, Joel and David. After living in Jacksonville, North Carolina while enlisted, Gale and Jeanne resided in different cities within Minnesota, including Arlington, Le Sueur, Mankato, Coon Rapids, Woodbury, Saint Paul and recently moved to St. Peter. They shared 54 years of marriage.
Gale was employed in sales, management, and human services. He worked with youth programs including the Sheriff’s Youth Program and Neighborhood House. He was the director of multiple food shelves while working at Neighbor to Neighbor in the Twin Cities metro area. He always found great joy in helping others. He and Jeanne provided foster care for over a dozen children between the years of 1985-1995. He retired at the age of 62.
Gale enjoyed reading, and voraciously read many different genres of books. When living in Le Sueur, he was well-known by the librarians and was known as one of the top readers for years. He took great pleasure in playing cards and laughing with his family. Telling stories was one of Gale’s favorite past times, and he always had a great memory to share with the ones he loved. He had an appreciation for music and enjoyed singing and listening to karaoke at family gatherings. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, wife, children, grandchildren and friends.
Gale passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at River’s Edge Hospital and Clinic in St. Peter, at the age of 75 years.
Blessed be his memory. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him and loved him.
Gale is survived by his:
Wife, Jeanne Ribar of St. Peter, MN;
Daughter, Michelle Bjerkness, her husband Brent and their children Jakob and Hanna of Minneapolis, MN;
Sons, Joel Ribar, his wife Nina and their children Kyle, Eric and Owen of Cotton, MN, David Ribar, his wife Rachel and their children Ezekiel and Simon of St. Peter, MN;
Brothers, Gary Ribar of Litchfield, MN, Gene (Barb) Ribar of Hutchinson, MN;
Sister, Gloria (Rufus) Draeger of Brownton, MN;
Brothers-in-law, Leon (Renae) Dose of Arlington, MN, Harris (Linda) Dose of Arlington, MN;
Sisters-in-law, Sharon (Rick) Koepp of Arlington, MN, Joyce Koepp of Arlington, MN;
Many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Gale is preceded in death by his parents John and Eleanor Ribar, parents-in-law Melvin and Marcella Dose, sister-in-law Susie Ribar, and brother-in-law Bryan Koepp.
Colleen Dawson says
Jeanne and family,
We send our deepest sympathies for each of you. Gayle’s truest commitment was his family. He was a great story teller with his radio voice. We will be with you in spirit on Tuesday.
Much love,
Don and Colleen Dawson
John and Linda Kalenberg says
Jeanne,
Out deepest sympathy to you and your family. It was so good to see both of you at your anniversary party a few years ago. John and I wii remember the good times we shared together years ago.
John and Linda Kalenberg
Joan (Dose) Vinkemeier says
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Charlie and Kim Schimmelpfennig says
Our sympathies to the family.
Jim Alsleben says
Rest In Peace Gale……Semper-Fi
Brian and Mary Krupski says
Our deepest condolences! Prayers for peach beyond understanding and wonderful memories to fill your hearts!
Matt G says
We have you all in our prayers. May perpetual light shine upon Gale today and forever in the arms of Our Father. Amen.