Sister Florentia Riebel, ASC, died the morning of December 1, 2022, at 7:40 a.m. after a brief illness. She was 106 years old and lived 88 of her years as a professed Adorer of the Blood of Christ.
She was born October 21, 1916, in a sod house near Schoenchen, KS, to Clement and Anna (Dinges) Riebel. Baptized Martina, she was the oldest in a family of five girls and seven boys. Sr. Florentia attended St. Anthony parish school for one year and made her First Communion. After the family moved to Bazine, KS, she completed her elementary education at Riverside, a rural public school.
At 15, she entered the convent at Wichita, KS, on August 24, 1932. She began the novitiate on August 2, 1933, receiving the name Florentia, which in later years was often shortened to “Sister Flo.” She pronounced her first vows on August 6, 1934, and her permanent vows on August 10, 1939.
Even after moving to the Wichita Center in 2009, Sr. Florentia continued to enjoy traveling and spending time with her extended family, especially their annual summer Riebel Reunion. Until COVID she was a competitive participant during card games, especially pitch.
Preceding Sr. Florentia in death were her parents Clement and Anna; her brothers Norbert, Paul, John, Victor, Melvin and Leon; her sisters, Sr. Leona, ASC, Sr. Barbara, ASC, and Sr. Winifred, ASC, and Arlene Drake. Sr. Florentia is survived by her brothers Wilbert (Mary Ann) and sister-in-law Norma (Melvin). Many nieces and nephews into second, third, and fourth generations also survive along with members of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ community.
Sr. Florentia will be welcomed home to the Wichita Center on December 5 with a Wake Service at 6:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated December 6 at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Tom Welk as presider and homilist. She will be buried in the Wichita Center cemetery.
Sister Florentia, your life spanned more than a century. You experienced and embraced a myriad of changes. We believe you now rejoice with family and friends in the presence of God’s never ending love.