John Rietberg

Rietberg, John

John Jan was born in Toronto's east end to Evert and Alice (Easdale) Rietberg who had immigrated from Scotland and Holland. When WWII broke out, he enlisted, along with his brother, Alex Sproul, and remained in service until the end of the war. Returning to Toronto, he and Willa Beryl (Riddell) were married in September 1946 and began raising a family in 1948. He progressed in IBM from the late 1940's until his retirement in 1982. His favourite hobbies were creating furniture and wood crafts, along with stained glass artwork, which he enjoyed giving to his growing family, and “puttering in the basement”. Always a loving husband, father and grand- and great-grandfather, he was always there to give support and encouragement, many times taking on the support tasks that needed to be done. As the years increased so did his health complications but he and Willa, wife of 71 years, lived in the same home for over 67 years until his heart gave up and he was taken to heaven the same day. John was comforted by his family throughout the day until his passing.
Besides Willa, John is survived by sons Bruce Rietberg (Kate) of CT; Alan Rietberg (Helen) of Brantford; daughter-in-law Wendy Anthony (Jeff); 4 grandchildren Sarah Rietberg (CT); Jon Rietberg (Sue), Josh Rietberg (Klara), Matthew Rietberg of Ontario; 4 great-grandchildren; 6 nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by brother Alex and his wife Margery Sproul, sister Alice and her husband Dave Robertson, and John's son Rodney William Rietberg.

John will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

John's family would like to thank the 9-1-1 operator and EMS responders for their prompt response and diligent efforts to resuscitate John.

In lieu of flowers donations to Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated by the family.