Edward F. Ribich

Edward F. Ribich, age 90, died peacefully in his home on June 11, 2021.

He was born on November 20, 1930 to parents Luke A. and Frances L. (Anzelc) Ribich, in Biwabik Minnesota. Ed joined the US Navy in 1951 and served on the USS Maurice J. Manuel. He married Carol M. (Hawkinson) Ribich of Virginia, MN in 1951.

In the years following, Ed worked as a mechanic at Erie Mining Company while attending the University of MN Duluth where he received a BS Degree in Elementary Education. While teaching in the Osseo School District, Ed attended St Cloud State University and obtained a MS degree in Educational  Administration. Ed served the Sauk Rapids School District as an elementary principal before adventuring to Alaska where he served as a school administrator in Galena and Metlakatla Public Schools.

Ed married Patricia Rae Murphy in 1988 and the two of them became an inseparable team of global adventurers. Together they nurtured their shared love of history and geography.

Edward was predeceased by his wife Carol, his parents and his brother Luke J. Ribich.

He is survived by his wife Pat, children Sharon (Tom) Neils, Kay (Kent) Smith, Mike (Joan) Ribich, step children Jim Pavek, Laura (Dave) Witschen,Todd (Christina) Pavek, and Patrice Pavek, 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, his brothers Robert (Rosemary) Ribich, Richard (Janet) Ribich, sister-in-law Betty Ribich and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial gathering will be held at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert, MN on June 24, 2021, from 12:00-2:00pm. An interment with military honors accorded by the Aurora/Hoyt Lakes Color Guard at Lakeside Cemetery in Biwabik MN will follow. In lieu of flowers a memorial may be made to the MN Conservation Federation.

Go forth, hunt and fish, play your accordion, and adventure on, Dear Man ~