Grace H. Riedberger

Grace was born on July 11, 1919 to Ray and Etta McDonald Whaley in Hawley. Grace graduated from Hawley High School in 1938. She participated in sports, drama and music. Her favorite memory of High School was playing Rosalie in the play "Polished Pebbles" as a senior. On January 8, 1939 she married her high school sweetheart Forrest Dit Riedberger. She was employed by the Bankrupt Store in Hawley for several years. In 1961, Grace and Dit opened Riedy's Drive In, which they sold in 1978. Dit passed away after 65 years of marriage in July 2004. Grace was known for her generous spirit, being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and cherished her family and friends. She was a member of Hawley Lutheran Church where she was active in the Altar Guild. She leaves behind so many that loved her. Grace will be missed by her children, Pat Mike Elton, and Dick Kathy Riedberger. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren have many fond memories of their Grandma Gracie. They are grandchildren, Randy Riedberger, Greg Beth Riedberger, David Wanda Riedberger, Stephanie Shawn Qualley, Eric Terri Elton, Sarah Grant Brown; great-grandchildren, Amanda, Zachery, Elizabeth, Brittany, and Tricia Riedberger, Courtney and Mitchell Qualley, Jordan and Elizabeth Elton, and Taylor Brown. She was preceded in death by her husband Dit; her parents, Ray and Etta Whaley; and two brothers, Bert and Clint Whaley. A very special thank you to the staff at the Emmanuel Community in Detroit Lakes for their loving care over the past four years for Grace and Dit. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the organization of your choice.