Thomas A. Ribbe, age 62, formerly of New Richland, died on Friday, December 28, 2012 at Hillcrest Health Care Center in Mankato.
Born on December 4, 1950 in Owatonna, Minnesota he was the son of Orrin and Inez (Jacobson) Ribbe. He graduated from New Richland High School in 1969 and served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam where he served until his honorable discharge in 1971. He married Deanna Cooper on June 4, 1977 at St. John Lutheran Church in Waseca and they were later divorced. He was employed as an over the road truck driver for several companies and later worked for Brown Printing Co. in Waseca for almost 20 years. He later worked a variety of jobs until his health forced him to retire. He enjoyed spending time with his family, helping his friend farm in the New Richland area, maps and geography, and WWII history. He was a member of the American Legion in Waseca and New Richland and the Waseca VFW and the NRA.
He is survived by two children, Heather Lynn Ribbe and Stephanie Kay Ribbe, both of Mankato and one grandson, Nathan Allan Ribbe. He is also survived by his parents, Orrin and Inez Ribbe of New Richland; two brothers, Norman (Ellie) Ribbe of Mankato and Mark Ribbe (special friend, Dawn Miller) of Blooming Prairie; and an uncle, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother, David Ribbe.Visitation will be held at Kinder-Dennis Home for Funerals in Waseca on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 from 4-8 p.m. and continue on Wednesday, one hour before services at the church.
Funeral services with military honors will be held on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 11 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Waseca with Rev. John Omans officiating. Burial will follow at St. Olaf Cemetery in New Richland.