Michaeleen R. Riehle

Michaeleen Ruth (Slifka) Riehle, age 72, of Cresco, passed away February 28th, 2021 surrounded by her family.  Michaeleen (Mickie), was born March 14th, 1948 in Cresco, to Velma (Womack) and Michael Slifka.  She attended and graduated from Crestwood.  On December 31st, 1966, she married Darrell Riehle and was blessed with five children. 

With Darrell on the road for work, Mickie made it her priority to take care of her children; she loved each one with her whole heart.  Every moment of her life was devoted to them, from making sure they were at their concerts and sporting events to raising them all to have a strong Catholic faith.  In the summers, she would take her children to the outdoor pool in Cresco.  Before they would leave to go home, they always got to stop at the treat stand where she also probably got ice cream for herself.  As her children grew older, she would be the first to volunteer for any event or club they were involved in.  In her early 40’s she decided to follow her passion for caring for others and went to NICC, in Calmar, to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.  She continued her passion by taking care of numerous people at long term care facilities. Being a nurse was more than just a career for Mickie.  Her caring hands brought joy, respect, kindness and knowledge to each of her patients.  She offered compassion, trust and empathy to her patients as if they were her own loved ones; her warm heart made a difference in each of their lives.  When Darrell’s health declined, Mickie once again put family first, retired from bedside nursing and cared for Darrell at home.

Once her nine grandchildren were born, she went from Mickie to Gigi.  She loved it when they would stay at her home or walk to the house after school where she would fill them with popsicles, ice cream and love.  She especially enjoyed volunteering at Notre Dame School in her daughter’s and grandchildren’s classrooms.  Mickie’s joy in life was attending her grandchildren’s various activities.  She was broken hearted this year when COVID prevented her from volunteering, attending school mass and sporting events, but she never failed to let her grandchildren know she was still their biggest fan.

When not spending time with her family she was a member of the Choir Boosters, where she co-chaired the creation of the omelet breakfast, President of the Rosary Society, numerous other church committees, and was a member of the VFW.  In her retirement, she was involved in the Red Hat Society and would enjoy Thursday coffee with her friends at the Ox and Wren.

Mickie loved traveling with Darrell and her family throughout various states and countries.  They spent many weekends enjoying their spot on the Mississippi River, boating with her children and grandchildren, with the occasional stop for Pete’s Burgers!  She enjoyed baking banana bread, strawberry pies and cakes for everyone. In her downtime, you would see her in the living room with her two dogs, Bella and Thumper, on her lap, watching Hallmark and playing on her iPad or reading a book.  Ask anyone about Mickie and they will say she had spunk and always put others first.  She will be forever remembered for her compassion, her love, her undying faith, and the fact that she could fall asleep just about anywhere.

She is survived by her five children: Darren (Jolyn) Riehle, of Rochester, MN, Darrelleen (Randy) Lewis, of Denver, IA, Denise (Jeremy) Hansmeier, of Cresco, IA, Dennis (Tanya) Riehle, of Cresco, IA and Desirae’ (Brent) Otto, of Nicollet, MN; her nine grandchildren: Alexis (BJ) Steiner, Coleton Riehle, Austin JimBob Lewis, Gabriel Lewis, Sierra Hansmeier, Shaina Hansmeier, Hadley Riehle, Harper Riehle and Hayden Riehle; her siblings: Max Slifka, Martin Slifka and Kay (Robert) Albertson, a brother-in-law Jerry (Genny) Riehle and sister-in-law LaRita Pierce, many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Darrell, her parents Velma Mintey and Michael Slifka, stepfather Stewart Mintey, her siblings Marilyn Stanley, Keith Slifka, Kenny Slifka, and several in-laws.

Mass of Christian Burial for Michaeleen will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 5, 2021, at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Cresco, IA, with Father Jacob Rouse officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, March 4, at the church from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M., and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Friday.  Burial will take place at New Oregon Cemetery following the service.  Due to COVID-19, masks are recommended and please follow social distancing rules at the church. 

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