Longtime Jackson Resident and Veteran Michael Riebe Passes Away at 83

Riebe was a devoted family man and longtime member of the American Legion who helped establish an annual Veterans Day observance at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Michael Riebe, an 83-year-old resident of Jackson, Wisconsin, passed away on January 28, 2026. Riebe was a veteran who served in the Air Force and later worked as a Wisconsin State Trooper and Washington County Sheriff's Department detective. He was also a longtime member of the American Legion Post 486 in Jackson and helped establish an annual Veterans Day observance at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School that has continued for over 20 years.

Why it matters

Riebe's passing marks the end of an era for the Jackson community, where he was deeply involved in honoring veterans and passing on their stories to the next generation through the annual high school observance. His commitment to service and community engagement serves as an inspiration.

The details

Riebe enlisted in the Air Force at age 17, just 10 days after graduating from West Bend High School in 1960. He served for four years before becoming a Wisconsin State Trooper for nearly a decade. Riebe then opened and operated a business called Hopps-N-Schnapps Liquor Haus in Jackson for 10 years, during which time he was very active in the Jackson Area Business Association, serving 3 years as president. He later returned to law enforcement, working for the Washington County Sheriff's Department and eventually being promoted to Detective. Riebe retired in 2001 but was rehired as a part-time Special Deputy and Bailiff, serving for an additional 25 years.

  • Riebe enlisted in the Air Force in 1960, just 10 days after graduating from high school.
  • Riebe served in the Air Force for 4 years from 1960-1964.
  • Riebe became a Wisconsin State Trooper for nearly 10 years starting in 1966.
  • Riebe opened and operated Hopps-N-Schnapps Liquor Haus in Jackson for 10 years in the 1970s.
  • Riebe retired from the Washington County Sheriff's Department in 2001 but was rehired as a part-time Special Deputy and Bailiff, serving for an additional 25 years.

The players

Michael Riebe

An 83-year-old resident of Jackson, Wisconsin who served in the Air Force, worked as a Wisconsin State Trooper and Washington County Sheriff's Department detective, and was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 486 in Jackson.

Betty Gumm

A member of the Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School community who approached Riebe over 20 years ago about having the American Legion participate in the school's annual Veterans Day observance, helping to establish the longstanding tradition.

Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School

A high school in Jackson, Wisconsin that has hosted an annual Veterans Day observance for over 20 years, with the involvement of Riebe and the American Legion Post 486.

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What they’re saying

“We do this every year for veterans. Over 20 years ago, a member of the KML community, Betty Gumm approached me and asked if the Legion would like to participate because the students wanted to honor our veterans. So, we worked something out. We came up with a theme, and that's how it started. It's been going on ever since.”

— Michael Riebe, Air Force Veteran and Longtime Member of American Legion Post 486

“It's not me. It's the story of veterans. When you share those stories, when students understand the sacrifices — they listen.”

— Michael Riebe, Air Force Veteran and Longtime Member of American Legion Post 486

What’s next

The American Legion Post 486 will hold a walk-through following Riebe's visitation on February 20, 2026.

The takeaway

Riebe's lifelong commitment to serving his country and community, including his efforts to honor veterans through the annual high school observance, exemplifies the values of service and gratitude that he worked to instill in the next generation.