Norman Roy Ribbe

Norman Ribbe, 74, entered heavenly glory on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, MN. The memorial service will be at 11 am Saturday, November 21, 2026 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in North Mankato with Reverend Marques Nelson officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 9-11 am prior to the service.

Norman Roy Ribbe was born on May 28, 1952 to Orrin and Inez (Jacobson) Ribbe in Owatonna, MN. He was baptized on June 29, 1952 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland, MN. He was confirmed on May 28, 1967, at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland, MN.

He attended New Richland schools and graduated from New Richland High School in 1970. He attended Mankato Vocational School, and was drafted into the United States Army in 1972. During his time of service, he was released into the Army Reserves and completed Quartermaster School. He was proud to serve his country.

On July 20, 1974, he was united in marriage to Elle Ruth Rinne of Owatonna, MN at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland, MN.

He was a graduate of Mankato State University and Barbizon Modeling Agency.

He worked a variety of jobs throughout his life, but primarily in the sales field as a District and Regional Sales Manager. He received numerous awards in his career. He was very active in church. He served on the church council and many committees, taught Sunday School, and coached children’s basketball and softball sports teams. He played many sports, both in high school and throughout his life. He played on church and community basketball and slowpitch softball teams, and was part of several bowling leagues. He was an avid golfer and loved getting out on any of the local golf courses.

He loved the outdoors - walking at the local parks and along nature trails, feeding the birds, and enjoying time by the water. He was heavily involved in all of his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. Spending time with his family gave him the greatest joy. He had a special bond with his grandchildren. Other hobbies included: traveling, reading maps, reading/watching detective books/movies, playing cards and games, and being a jokester. He loved telling stories and jokes and enjoyed sending funny messages via Snapchat to family members and friends. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in North Mankato.

Surviving him is his wife of 52 years Elle, son Jason (Rachel) Ribbe, daughters Melissa (Jason) Neeb and Laura (Craig) Golding. Grandchildren are Griffin (Maca) Neeb and Kira Neeb. Step-granddaughter is Jade Hartwig. Also surviving is brother Mark Ribbe, brothers-in-law David (Debra) Rinne and Klarice Rinne, aunt Jeannette Jacobson, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death are his parents, brothers Thomas Ribbe and David Ribbe, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Norman Ribbe will have a headstone and place at Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery in Mankato, MN. His remains will be scattered in all the places he so dearly loved.