John Peter Rief
1948-2021
John Peter Rief, 73, of Westboro passed away on Monday, Nov. 1, 2021 at the U-W Madison Burn Unit after a tragic accident. Funeral Services by Buettgen Funeral Home will take place on Saturday, Nov. 13, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Medford, with visitation from 9 a.m. till 11 a.m., service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery II with Military Honors. Pastor Ralph Shorey officiating. Pallbearers are Maddie Moberg, Jakob Rief, Zachary and Isabelle Ernest.
John was born on June 9, 1948 in Medford to Melville and Edna Rief. John graduated from Medford Senior High School in 1966. He then was enrolled in the Automotive Mechanics course work at North Central Technical College. He entered the U.S. Army in 1968, which stationed him in Germany. On January 10, 1970 he was married to the love of his life, Yvonne Golding. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he took over the family business from his father Melville, Rief Motors, which he owned and operated until 1975. He was also one of the first EMTs in the Medford Area. After Rief Motors, John owned and operated Bells Unlimited, selling antiques and antique reproductions. During this time, John also worked road construction, driving truck for various companies in the area. In 1985, John operated and managed Blair’s T.V., along with having a lucrative snow removal business and rental units in Medford. In 1998, he continued his unbelievable knack for sales, venturing into Asphalt maintenance sales. Initially for Long Asphalt, then for Bergman Companies, Fahrner and finally for American Pavement Solutions. He was also Town Chairman for the Town of Westboro from 1995 to 2003.
John retired in 2012, spending his time traveling, plowing snow, thoroughly enjoying working in his wood working shop and creating different projects for family and friends. He also enjoyed camping, helping out his neighbors with various projects, hunting, having a few beers while visiting with friends and family. But, most importantly, enjoying his grandchildren.
In his earlier years, he enjoyed curling, hunting, fishing, attending and working at stock car races, demolition derbies, truck and tractor pulls and anything else with an engine. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and taking his family on cross country vacations to see the many states in this beautiful United States of America.
John was a devoted Christian, always enjoying singing hymns in the German language. He was a hard worker from an early age, always looking for another avenue for income/revenue. He instilled this work ethic into his children and grandchildren.
John is survived by his wife, Yvonne of Westboro; children, Jonathan (Darla) Rief, Shawn (Phillip) Ernest; grandchildren, Maddie, Jakob, Zachary and Isabelle all of Medford.
John was preceeded in death by his parents, Melville and Edna Rief.
Above all, John will be remembered for his compassion, sensitivity, generosity, his sense of humor and his uncanny wit with any situation.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s name can be given to the family for use at a later designation.
Paid Obituary 113059
