Ronald "Ron" E. Rief

Ronald E. "Ron" Rief, age 85, of rural Missouri Valley passed away in his home, surrounded by loving family, on August 22, 2021.

Ron was born December 3, 1935 on a farm in Crescent, IA to the late Harold and Thelma (Bird) Rief. He worked hard on the farm in his youth and that carried over into his adult life. After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School, Class of 1954, he began his own farming career with brother Darrell. Together they built the Rief Trucking and Farms businesses, devoting their life to farming crops and raising cattle and hogs near Crescent and Missouri Valley, IA.

On August 31, 1963, he was united in marriage to his sweet love Alvera 'Diane' Ulrich of Clatonia, NE. Together they have shared 57 beautiful years of fun, laughter, and memories as a team. The couple made their home on the Rief Family farm in rural Missouri Valley. Ronald and Diane were blessed with four sons and one daughter. The children were raised on the farm and the boys followed Ronald's footsteps, continuing the Rief Trucking and farming legacy.

Ron valued hard work and "getting things done" on the farm. He was a true farmer. He tended to his cattle and fields, working dusk til' dawn until his days work was complete. He had a soft spot and gentle heart for his animals and always took great care of his farm kittens and dogs. He was a man of faith, cultivated with strength, love, and purpose tending to God's creations.

Ron was a man of the people. He loved to know members of the community and was involved in local government. He was a lifelong supporter of 4-H and the FFA. He spent many years with grandchildren sharing a passion caring for cattle, showing at Westfair in Council Bluffs each summer. Ron encouraged youth growth and development by creating learning opportunities on the farm and supporting 4-H scholarship funds through the apple pie contest and West fair auction.

Though proud of his career, his true passion in life was his family and spending time with his grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. Ron could always be found treating his grandkids to lunch or dinner at Henry's Diner, Pizza King, or anywhere that served ice cream. He and Diane never missed a chance to load up the kids in his trusty Mercury to cruise through the fields, take his boys for haircuts, or girls school shopping each year. Family reunions, holidays, and birthdays were grand events and Ron loved being surrounded by giggles, songs, and shared stories. He especially loved when his wife Diane would play the piano for him and the grandkids would sing along.

Ron's legacy of strong will, family values, and compassion leave a truly special place in his family's heart. He will be dearly missed, but his stories and acts of kindness will be treasured memories for many generations to come.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Lloyd Athay; sister-in-law, Bernetta Ulrich.

Ron is survived by his wife, Diane Rief; children, David (Kara) Rief, Dale (Diane) Rief, Donald (Brenda) Rief, Susan (Douglas) Austin, Doug Rief; grandchildren, Courtney, Angela and Rachael Rief, Megan (Derek) Scott, Mallory Rief (Pete Merksick), Matthew Rief, Allison Rief (Bryce Flint), Andrea (Cody) Eichmann, Thomas Rief (Hannah Collins), Sydney Austin (Shawn Hatcher), Lauren Austin, Carrie and Jacob Rief; brothers, Darrell (Pam) Rief and Darwin Rief; sister, Joan (Richard) Gilman; brother-in-law, Larry Ulrich; sister-in-law, Cheryl Athay; aunt, Norma (Bird) Heath; nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Friday, August 27, 2021.

Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Saturday, August 28, 2021. The family will direct memorials in Ron's Honor.