GIEBELHAUS

Reuben Edward Giebelhaus of Rimbey, Alberta went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Monday, January 20, 2020, just shy of 97 years. He passed away quietly at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre after courageously battling a relentless infection.

Reuben was born at home on February 5, 1923, the first son of John A. and Elizabeth (Miller) Giebelhaus of the Martins District near Vegreville and Holden, Alberta. He farmed the Holden homestead in Beaver County along with his wife, Elsie (Fried) whom he married on November 7, 1947. In 2019, Reuben and Elsie celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.

Reuben was a hard-working, industrious, God-loving man who adapted throughout his journey. He dispersed his cattle and moved to Kelowna for one year (1955) for his son’s health, returned to the farm to rebuild, dispersed his cattle again and rented the farm and moved to Stony Plain in 1965, relocated to Sherwood Park (1967), and then settled in Rimbey since 1974.

Reuben and Elsie originally moved to Rimbey to work with his brother, Earl pioneering in embryo transplants on exotic cattle through the company L.I. Ranches. While farming and cattle (often referred to as his first love by his wife) played key roles throughout, Reuben also owned Tydewater Lumber (Rimbey), built two homes (Rimbey), including their current house at age 77, and developed the most southern subdivision of Rimbey with Earl in the late 70s.

Many will remember him by the yellow hard hat he wore, his love of music and singing, and the opinions he voiced freely. He and Elsie enjoyed unique travel experiences and opportunities; including trips to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Hawaii. From the book he wrote at age 89, “I feel we have had a very interesting and educational life, and given the chance to live my life over, I think I would make the same decisions.” He jokingly summed up his story with, “Elsie, not so sure – maybe the title of this story should have read, ‘We Did It My Way’.”

Reuben was predeceased by his parents, and his siblings: Edna, Harold, and Mildred. He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife, Elsie; and five children: Carolyn Parker, Glen, Rodney, Rowena Hoeve, and Dale, and their spouses, who gifted him with fourteen grandchildren, and nineteen great grandchildren. He will also be remembered by four siblings: Ruth, Dorothy, Earl, and Lorraine; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.

A Funeral Service Celebration of Reuben’s Life will be held at the Peter Lougheed Community Centre, Rimbey on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Grant Rainey officiating. A Private Family Interment will precede the service in the West Haven Cemetery, Rimbey.

We are very thankful for the compassionate care of Reuben by the doctors and staff of the Rimbey Hospital, where he was lovingly cared for during his last days. If friends desire, memorial tributes in Reuben’s Memory may be made directly to the Rimbey Health Services Donations Program, c/o Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, Box 440, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0 (www.rimbeyhealthdonations.com). Condolence messages may be forwarded to the family by visiting: www.ofc-ltd.ca

Service and Burial Arrangements for the Late Reuben Edward Giebelhaus entrusted to the care of