Robert "Bob" William Riebe

Robert (Bob) W. Riebe, 90, of Santa Barbara, a Marine, an Iwo Jima Survivor and Loving Husband, joined his maker and wife Sunday April 15th, 2012. Bob lived a full, active life until contracting ALS in early 2011. Thru the yearlong effort of friends and caregivers, his wish to pass peacefully at home was honored. The son of Ernest and Emma Riebe, Bob was born October 9, 1921 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bob grew up living the life most young men did in rural America in the 1920's and 30's, and successfully graduated from high school. Following his interest in masonry, Bob began an apprenticeship with a local mason, but his apprenticeship was to be cut short by an event that forever changed every American's life, and forever changed Bob's....the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Bob heeded his country's call to action, joined the Marines and served his basic training at Camp Pendleton. He qualified to become a Tank Driver with the 3rd Marine Division Company B, 3rd Tank Battalion, and after few months of training in the U.S., was stationed in New Zealand for further training. He was promoted to Platoon Sergeant and his division fought successfully in the battles to retake the islands of Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima. Bob proudly told of seeing the famous Iwo Jima "flag raising" with his own eyes. Bob was proud of his service to our country but didn't talk much about his battle experiences. However, one story he loved to tell, was how God saved his life. His tank division had lined up at the edge a sheer cliff on Iwo Jima, across a field from a jungle. All night, wave after wave of enemy soldiers attacked them. Occasionally some would get close enough to place explosives on and around the tanks. One explosive charge went off right under Bob's tank. Bob was able to get the lower escape hatch open and helped his buddies crawl out beneath the tank. Bob, stunned from the explosion, crawled out from under the tank and stood up to run for the cover of another tank. His leg instantly collapsed and he fell to the ground, just as enemy bullets slammed into his tank right where he had been standing. Bob had had no idea that his ankle had been shattered by the explosion, but he knew that God had made sure that he wouldn't be able to stand or take enemy fire and that he would live to see another day. Well, that he did. Bob spent months recovering from his shattered ankle at a military hospital near Grand Rapids and was Honorably Discharged in November 1945 with multiple awards in a “Purple Heart”. He married the love of his life Mildred Thomas in 1946. They lived in Grand Rapids and Bob continued his love of masonry. Bob was a very good mason, and his work adorned many settings, from homes to churches and community buildings. In 1956 they moved to Santa Barbara and Bob continued his trade. He later worked at Ambrose Lumber, and then for Macklanburg-Duncan where he excelled as a regional salesman until he retired. After retirement, Bob enjoyed helping friends with masonry work and many of us have the pleasure of seeing his work daily. Starting in 1997, Bob was employed by Channel City Lumber where he modestly liked to joke that he “kept the tank tidy”, but everyone knew better. In 2010, and at 88 years old, Bob decided his formal working days were over, and resigned his position. He was one of the best in the business and his wonderful personality, his willingness to help customers and his knowledge, will be missed by the staff at Channel City and the community at large. Bob adored his wife Mildred and outside of work, they were rarely seen apart. Their love and dedication to each other, and over 60 years of marriage, is a testament to true love. Sadly she passed away in 2007. Bob was proud to be a Marine, and was proud of the work he did. He loved the music from the 40‘s and 50‘s, especially Big Band music. Bob was one of the best joke tellers anyone could meet, and when he wrote to family and friends, he would include a page or two of handwritten jokes. Bob’s quick wit and beaming smile will be missed by all of us. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, uncle Carl Riebe, and his beloved wife Mildred. He is survived by his sisters Marian Glass and Grace Anderson, several nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.

Robert "Bob" William Riebe

October 9, 1921 - April 15, 2012