Myrt L. Riebel

Myrtle "Myrt" L. Riebel, 84, of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota died August 19, 2026, at Woodstone Senior Living in New Ulm, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye with a Prayer Service at 1:45 p.m. prior to the visitation. Visitation will continue on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church - North Entrance. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. The clergy will be Fr. Samuel Perez. Interment will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Myrt would like you to know that her work here is done. She received an offer she couldn't refuse-an appointment with our Lord, from which she will not be returning. This new assignment comes with wonderful benefits: a beautiful paradise and a joyful reunion with her beloved husband, family, and friends.

Myrt was born on September 5, 1941, and graduated from New Ulm Public High School in 1959. She married Vernard "Vernie" Riebel in 1961. She worked for several years before she and Vernie expanded their hog operation with Myrt becoming a full partner on their Prairieville Township farm. She and Vernie worked side by side for 62 years until his passing in 2023. Myrt lived a simple, hardworking life. She understood the farming cycle-the long days, the hard work, the waiting, and the trust that comes with the harvest. Some years brought abundance, while others asked more of her than she thought she had to give. Through it all, she persevered.

In 1987, Myrt and Vernie bought a cabin on Big Swan Lake near Dassel, where they spent many wonderful days fishing, making new friends, and enjoying the beauty of nature. It was truly Myrt's "happy place." We imagine that her new home is an even more wonderful paradise, where she will help harvest an abundant crop each fall, spend time with family and friends, walk, hunt, and catch her limit each day.

Myrt was always on the move. Even when she was sitting down, her hands were rarely idle. She lovingly made braided rugs and sewed many outfits for her family. She was also a gardener, cook and baker. Myrt was a faithful journaler, recording the daily happenings of farm life and the special memories made at the lake. Myrt loved both participating in and watching sporting events. She played softball well into her 50s, often playing alongside her daughters, Gwen and Sue, and her sister, Ruth. When she wasn't playing, she kept the books for many of the teams. She volunteered at Next-Tu-Nu in Sleepy Eye and was a blood donor - donating approximately 19 gallons.

Myrt will be deeply missed by her children, David and Nancee of Sleepy Eye; Mark and Kathy of Milaca; Gwen and Darrel Brey of New Ulm; and Sue and Blaine Lueck of St. Cloud; her grandchildren, Amber Riebel, Terry Riebel, Nick Riebel, Jacob Riebel, Katie Rogers, Joe Brey, Ali Winter, Ben Lueck, Josh Lueck, and Sam Lueck; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Harvey Klossner (Marge Mickolichek) of Silver Lake; sister, Ruth Klossner of Bernadotte; brother-in-law, Kenneth Riebel; and sister-in-law, Diane Riebel of Sleepy Eye.

Myrt is reunited with her beloved husband, Vernard "Vernie" Riebel; her parents, Hillard "Jake" and Edna (Fischer) Klossner; her parents-in-law, Bernard "Ben" and Minnie (Klinker) Riebel; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gerald and Evelyn Riebel; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Memorials are preferred to St. Mary's School or Woodstone Senior Living Activities.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Woodstone Senior Living and Allina Health Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to our Mom. We will be forever grateful for the kindness, dignity, and love they showed her.

Myrt's work here may be done, but the life she built, the love she shared, and the memories she created will continue to live on in all who knew her.

Until we meet again, Mom. We love you.