Gary was born July 14, 1950 in Scribner, Nebraska to Gail Ristau and Donaleen (Wright) Ristau Mock. He graduated from Scribner-Snyder in 1968 and from Kearney State College in 1972. On April 14, 1973 he married Cecilia (Beyke) Ristau. Gary worked at the the Department of Correctional Services, Y.D.C. in Kearney for two years before taking a job as an appraiser for Buffalo and Dodge County. He then worked for the Fremont Post Office as a rural mail carrier for 32 years. He had a love for farming, spending time with his family, and attending sporting events. Gary was also an avid golfer after retirement. He was a positive and caring man of great faith and will be greatly missed.
Gary is survived by his wife Cecilia of 43 years; four children, Lisa (Ristau) Carlson and her husband Todd, Kevin Ristau, Danae (Ristau) Martin and her husband Jon, and Kristin Ristau; two grandchildren, Thunder and Justine Carlson; his sister Teri (Ristau) VonFeldt and her husband Steve VonFeldt; his brother Larry Ristau; and mother Donaleen (Wright) Ristau Mock. He was preceded in death by his father Gail Ristau and step-father Junior Mock.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, May 26 at First Lutheran Church in Fremont, Nebraska. Visitation with the family present will be Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. Private burial will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to First Lutheran Church and to the Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(22)
Tony & Norma Gauthier
Grand Island, NE Wednesday, June 1, 2016 Dear Cecil and family,Kim and Doyle told us of Gary's sudden illness and his passing. We pray that your special memories will help you through your grief. Our thoughts are with you.
Curtis Pawl
Fort mill, SC Monday, May 30, 2016 I am saddened to hear of Garys passing. I enjoyed the time we had working together. He loved his job and was always positive. My sympathy to the family.Nita (Hughes) Cooper
Milford, NE Wednesday, May 25, 2016 I am so deeply saddened by the passing of Gary Ristau. My heartfelt condolences to all of his loved ones. We went to college at the same time in Kearney and also spent time with his friends, Dave and Linda Lund (my best friend from high school). May God be with all of you!Virginia Christensen
Papillion, NE Wednesday, May 25, 2016 To the Ristau family,Thinking of you with love and prayers as you mourn the loss of someone you all loved so much.
Our hearts go out to you with love and sympathy.
John and Virginia Christensen
Ardys Bradbury
Tempe, AZ Wednesday, May 25, 2016 Dona and Cecilia,I was so sad to read the story of Gary's untimely death.
Gary's father, Gail, and I were first cousins.
Ardys Bradbury
Tempe, AZ
Al Power
Houston, TX Wednesday, May 25, 2016 Sorry to hear about Gary's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Lynn & Jeannine Moeller
Hooper, NE Wednesday, May 25, 2016 Cecelia & Family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this very difficult time. Gary was a "super" guy and he will be missed by so many.
May your faith and the memories you cherish help you through each day.
Simpson family
Blair, NE Tuesday, May 24, 2016 Dearest Ristau Family,Our hearts are heavy and sad for the loss of Gary / Dad. We are thinking of you all during this difficult time. With heartfelt sympathies and thoughts, we are here for you. With love - Kristen, Ellen, Mark and Jacob.
MK
Rifle, CO Tuesday, May 24, 2016 I was so saddened to hear today of Gary's passing. My thoughts, prayers and condolences are with you as you grieve his loss.Cindy Settles
Scribner, NE Tuesday, May 24, 2016 So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was always very friendly and a caring man. May God watch over you and your family at this is time of sorrow. My prayers are with you.Deb (Cerny) Hasik
Syracuse, KS Tuesday, May 24, 2016 My deepest sympathy to all of you. May God be with you. May He lessen the pain you are feeling now and may He be with you in the future for healing grace. You are in my prayers!!Larry and Penny Brink
Fremont, NE Tuesday, May 24, 2016 To the entire Ristau family, it's been a long time since I've seen Gary but we will always remember him as a kind and thoughtful man.....who raised an exceptional family. Our sincere sympathy to all of you.Paul Parkert
Fremont, NE Tuesday, May 24, 2016 Cece & family, So shocked this morning to read of Gary's passing. I had not seen or talked to Gary in years, but to this day I laugh when thinking about the many GREAT times and laughs we had. You have our sincere sympathy.Mary Ann Newman
Newport, MN Tuesday, May 24, 2016 Deepest sympathy to Cecilia and family. Blessings to everyone.Mary Ann(Kennedy) Newman
Brent & Linda Osborne
Windsor Heights, IA Tuesday, May 24, 2016 Cecil and the entire family, our deepest regrets on Gary's passing. A wonderful man with a smile on his face always. Rest in peace, Gary. You will be missed!Roni Wobken
Scribner, NE Tuesday, May 24, 2016 Ristaus-Gary was such a special person. Whether it was talking after a ball game or discussing something at school, I always enjoyed visiting with him. He will be missed by many.
Carol Spenner
, TX Tuesday, May 24, 2016 I worked part time with Gary at the Fremont Post Office. He was always really nice to me and as a loaned employee from another office and unclear as to where things actually went. He was helpful and I appreciated that. Your family is in my prayers.Donita Ristau Wise
Prosper, TX Monday, May 23, 2016 Hi Donna, Cecilia, Terry, Larry and families---I am so sorry about Gary's passing! My prayers and thoughts are with you all. I am sorry I cannot be there for the funeral. Unfortunately the Ristau clan has had our share of our loved ones leaving us way too soon!The picture of Gary is great--he was a great big cousin to grow up with---always happy and funny! I'll never forget the times he was over to shell corn or bale hay! Sending my love your way! Family forever--Donita
Connie Ristau Johnson
Omaha, NE Monday, May 23, 2016 Love and prayers to you all.Janice Parolek
Columbus, NE Monday, May 23, 2016 Kristin, Cecilia and families,Please accept my condolences at the passing of your father, husband and grandpa. As time passes you'll remember less of recent days and more of the the special times you had with him. You'll come to realize that "all" times were special, especially the "ordinary" days. God Bless!
Gary Fouraker
Fremont, NE Monday, May 23, 2016 Cecelia and family,It is with a heavy heart that I read of Gary's passing. I know the past month has been a terrible burden for the family. I hope you can remember the good times, just as I will remember the good times we shared on the golf course and in conversation. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dickmeyer
, NE Sunday, May 22, 2016 Family of Gary, I am so sorry that Gary has passed away. I worked with Gary at the post office for many years. He was a fun guy to be around. Don Dickmeyer