Michael David Rieff
March 22, 1970 ~ August 26, 2020
Michael D. Rieff, 50, Sioux Falls, died Wednesday, August 26, 2020, unexpectedly at his home.
Visitation at 1PM, Service 1:30pm, Wednesday, September 2, 2020, at Heartland Funeral Home. To Zoom the service, go to… https://jworg.zoom/j/9582713528=bkRHbm9zU1pNTll1NWxKUWhOMWYzUT09 Meeting ID: 95828713528 Passcode: John1125 Join meeting in ZoomBurial will follow at Berg Cemetery, about 2:30pm, rural Sioux Falls. A live stream link will be available.
In lieu of flowers, a Memorial fund has been established in Michael’s honor to help with the cost of funeral arrangements and a fund for his children.
Michael David Rieff was born March 22, 1970, in Nuremberg, Germany, to James and Linda (Schwab) Rieff. Stateside, Michael spent much of his youth in Minnesota until his family moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where he graduated from O’Gorman High School in 1988. He continued onto Southeast Technical Institute to study horticulture, which became his dream career and ultimately owned his own business. Michael was passionate about his work to design custom landscapes and backyards for his customers. His dedication to hard work began as a young boy taking on his morning paper route and playing in the dirt with his Tonka Trucks. He also enjoyed fishing, camping and watching his sports teams (New Jersey Devils, Oakland Raiders, New York Yankees and Dale Earnhardt Jr team #88). Michael is remembered as a caring and giving person – always lending a helping hand and asking what he can do for others.
As the oldest child, Michael was often the rock of his family. In 1996, Michael married Jeanna Seubert and in this union had three children. He loved his family and children with all of his heart. Some of the lasting memories created with his children include: Stampede Hockey games, camping, firework shows, four-wheeling and trips to Kansas for NASCAR races. Michael adored his children, creating special moments such as deer hunting with his oldest daughter, Alexus, since the age of six. Michael’s love for his children was felt by anyone who knew him. He will be truly missed.
Michael is survived by his three children, Alexus, Andrew and Brielle Rieff, Sioux Falls; his parents, James and Linda (Schwab) Rieff, Sioux Falls; three siblings, Jennifer Rieff, Sioux Falls, Chris (Erin) Rieff, Hartford, and Katrina Rieff, Shoreview, MN; five nieces and nephews, Jasmyn, Dominic, Spencer, Gavin and Ava; five aunts and uncles, Barbara Schwab, Madison, WI, Joan (Don) Swenson, Sleepy Eye, MN, Pam Heser, Lake Hughes, CA, Lora (Bob) Woomer, Glenwood, WV, and Kristen Schwab, Grove City, MN; and numerous cousins.
Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alfred and Florence Rieff, Joseph and Lorraine Schwab; and his uncle, David Schwab.
Mike was a good father, hard worker and will be missed. Life should never be cut short but I know many of us will see you in the near future.
Rev 21:3,4
Your brother…..
So sorry Linda & Jim to read of the loss of your son Michael. I remembering working with you years ago & how close your family was. My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Thank you so much. I know he thought of you so often and talked about your fun times working together. We look forward to the day we see him again.
My sincere condolences to Michael’s family Michael was my first nephew and the first time I laid eyes on him was when they returned from Germany and came to my mom and dad’s home. I still have a picture of that next morning when Michael and his Aunt Kris we’re standing outside half awake in their droopy little pajamas . I will truly miss talking on the phone with you and will always treasure the conversations we shared this past year. Rest In Peace Mike, you will be missed
I’m so sorry to hear of mikes passing, we worked together on a lot of jobs through the years and often would spend way to much time talking about life and our families. He was truly one of the hardest working people I have ever worked with and loved his family tremendously. I send my thoughts and prayers for all of his family in this hard time, he will be missed greatly.
Dan Bethke
Sorry to hear of his passing. Thoughts n prayers to his family.
Our hearts go out to your family in this heartbreaking time. We look forward to the near future when we will get to welcome back so many we have lost in death.
Rest In peace, Mike. We enjoyed your company when you were out to help us. You treated us like family. I also enjoyed it when and Jeanna would visit me in Renner.
We’ve lost a good one. In the big scheme of things, we all aren’t far behind.
Condolences to your family, especially those kiddos that you adored. I’ll pray for them.
I will do my best to be there for you Jeanna and the kids. I love you guys.
Mike was so loving and generous, he was the best boss and a treasured friend. We will always have fond memories of our happy times together and we will look forward to the time “just around the corner” when we can renew our friendship.
May the God of all comfort embrace you with his loving kindness as you tread through these anguishing times ahead.💔
Michael has always had a special place in my heart ever since I babysat him. We had a bond that couldn’t not be broke. I will truly miss you. I look forward to the next time I can see you again. I Love You, Aunt Lora
My heart is so heavy for all of you. What a difficult time this is. I so appreciateed Mike’s hard work in my yard through the years and our many shared conversations, especially about his adored children. He will be missed so much.
iam going to miss your smilethat you always had for us lovesharla ratzlaff
Mike was truly a blessing to anyone who knew him. He always came when I needed help. He served with a humble happy heart. He will live on in my heart trying to serve others as I saw him do with that smile on his face. What a great young man who we should use as a role model in our own lives.
My condolences to the family. You’re in our thoughts and prayers
Amanda
Michael, I hope you are at rest & peaceful. Deepest condolences to your lovely children & I will be praying for them as they grow up without you. My flesh & my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26) I hope this this Psalm eases the pain & loss to all who are mourning your passing. Godspeed Mike
Dear Jim, just heard today at work about your son Michael. I am SOOO sorry to hear this Jim.I dont think anyone can really feel and understand what you and the family are going through unless they have gone through losing a child, husband,father. I pray that you will find peace and feel Gods arms wrapped around you. Love, prayers and hugs to all of you.(Tho i did not know your son he had to be a good man being raised by such a good family, your such a good man Jim)
Dear Rieff Family,
I just heard today that Mike had passed away. I was shocked and my heart instantly hurt for you all. I graduated from O’Gorman with Mike. He was quiet but kind. I didn’t see him again until just a couple years ago at FAE as we were at the school for open house or something. It was great to see him and catch up a bit. He’s still that same friendly and kind guy from so many years ago. Brielle and my son, Samuel, were in the same class, then I got to have Alexus in class at the middle school. Like her dad, she was quiet and kind. My heart aches for all of you. I know it will take time to adjust to that missing piece of your heart, but I hope you can eventually find joy in the memories, and recognize signs that he is still with you all. I will keep you in my prayers.
Paula (Wick) Hagen