Patricia Ann Riebold

Patricia Ann Riebold was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 30th, 2020.  Patricia was born in Springfield, MO in 1941.  She married Roger Gird and later divorced.  Patty owned a bar in Bellchester and a flower shop in Goodhue.  Patti was a master gardener and planted many flowers at the Goodhue county fair while also served as a 4-H judge.

In 1998, Patti established “The Connecting Connection”, when Hurricane Mitch struck Honduras and left most of the country devastated.  She started collecting items including medical supplies in her home and continued packing shipments each year. She was successful through partnering with the Airforce which greatly reduced the costs to get supplies there.  She also sent items to New Orleans, South Dakota, and many semi loads to Donna, Texas where Pastor Hasselquist had moved.

Patti’s ultimate dream came true in 2007, when she was successful in purchasing the Bauer Lumber yard as a storage site for The Connecting Connection.  Patti created a place where donated goods could be given to anyone who needed clothing, household or personal care items, food, furniture, or most anything else.  From that start, her service to the community became boundless.  Patti worked closely with HOPE Coalition to help domestic violence survivors, the homeless, and others get a fresh start.    When a domestic violence survivor was ready to move from the local shelter, Patti built departure baskets, filled with basic household items needed to establish a new home and also prepared hot meals for them.  When someone without resources has no one to help with a move, Patti arrived with her truck and a crew to help.  Each year at Christmas and Easter, Patti delivered 25 food basket dinners to those who otherwise would go without.  Most were surprised and it was enjoyable to see their faces light up and give her a hug.  At the annual, local Project Community Connect, a winter resource event for people in poverty, Patti supplied hundreds of winter weather gear items, personal care products and food pantry items. Patti always gave tirelessly to anyone in need.

Patti was well known by many through her kind heart and passion for always helping others.  She was a determined, faithful lady that never quit!  Patti didn’t judge people in any way.   She understood that anyone can “hit bottom”, and for many reasons.  She said “I was always taught that you help your brother and sister no matter where they are from or what they look like.  Just help them and you will become far richer because of it.”  Patti was preceded in death by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Riebold, maternal and paternal grandparents and her brother Jim Riebold.  Patti is survived by her sister, Wanda Young of Missouri, one niece Marnie Young, a nephew Zachery Riebold, one great nephew, two great nieces, eight great-great nephews and nieces, and many cousins. She also leaves behind her best friend “Sir Oliver” her cat.

Patti will be buried at a later date in Missouri.  In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to The Connecting Connection at 1923 Bush St. Red Wing, MN 55066.  Patti’s next wish was to transfer The Connecting Connection into a Homeless Shelter and continue the distribution site for those in need. Many thanks to Susan Flueger Nevitt, Jeff Seha, Jackie Solheim, Joann McNamara and Jim Larson, and to the countless volunteers that have helped her throughout the years. Arrangements with the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel. Online condolences may be left for friends and family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com

Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Psalm 116:15 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”