About This Memory Space
This page was created for Gisela M. Reibel's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor Gisela M. Reibel's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew Gisela M. Reibel. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
Gisela M. Reibel crafted a vibrant tapestry of resilience, creativity, and unyielding curiosity, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and connection across continents and generations.
Born in Ludwigsdorf, Germany, Gisela navigated the upheavals of post-war displacement when her family fled Russian occupation around 1946, spending time in a refugee camp before resettling in Ramstein, West Germany. Embracing local traditions, she shone as the Karneval Verein Bruchkatze Princess in 1962, embodying joy and festivity. Her path led her to a civilian role at the US Air Force base in Ramstein, where she met Peter R. Reibel, marrying him in 1964 and relocating to Indianapolis, Indiana. There, she nurtured a family amid life's transitions, channeling her energies into artistic pursuits, professional advancement, and community service. A devoted gardener, she cultivated award-winning displays and shared her passion for nature through hikes and explorations at her cozy cabin near Nashville, Indiana. Her adventures spanned Europe, national parks across the US, and cross-country drives to visit siblings, reflecting a spirit undaunted by distance or uncertainty.
Gisela's professional journey showcased her adaptability and determination. Starting as a dental assistant in her husband's practice, she later pivoted to crafting and selling macramé and jewelry at art fairs like Penrod while juggling multiple jobs post-divorce in 1976. A pivotal opportunity came through friend Christel De Haan at RCI - Resort Condominiums International, where she rose to Director of Distribution. Balancing full-time work, she earned an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts from IUPUI, nearly completing a Bachelor's. Her volunteer efforts included PTA involvement, leading Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, and serving on the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra Board from 1990 to 1996. In retirement, her expertise as a Master Gardener enriched groups like the Marion County Master Gardener Association, Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society, and various herb, rose, bonsai, and garden clubs.
Photos of Life
Family & Loved Ones
Gisela poured her boundless energy into the lives of those closest to her, from raising children Karin D. Dillon (David), Kris P. Reibel, and Lara E. Cooney (Steve) to cherishing every moment with grandchildren Isabell Dillon (Arianna), Vallory Dillon, Alex Reibel, Luke Reibel, Jake Reibel (dec'd), Sebastian Cooney (Lauren), Orion Cooney, and Katharina Cooney. She cheered at their school orchestras, sports events, scouting ceremonies, and horse shows, while her garden oasis at home and the family cabin fostered a deep appreciation for nature's wonders. Extended family, including nieces and nephews like Bob Jones (Theresa), Gretchen Rose (Bobby), Mike Jones (Maggie), Roland Kappler (Petra), Bettina Rillman, Ralf Kappler (Rosetta), Susie Gerow (Steve), and great-nieces/nephews Eric Gerow, Andy Gerow, Elizabeth Pugh, and Emily Pugh, along with brother-in-law Don Reibel (Judy) and families in North Carolina, felt her adventurous spirit through shared travels and heartfelt gatherings. Siblings Rene in Oregon, Susi in Germany, and Eberhard in France were frequent destinations for her bold road trips.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Tributes from admirers capture Gisela's essence as a trailblazing gardener and family anchor whose enthusiasm for life's simple joys left an indelible mark on her circle.
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