Anne Erika Riske
April 24, 1917 - March 13, 2017
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Anne Erika Riske
April 24, 1917 - March 13, 2017
Obituary
Anne E. Riske passed in her sleep on March 13, 2017.
Anne was born April 24, 1917 to Frederick and Pauline Kobus in Silbersdorf Germany. At the age of 4 Anne moved with her family to Vancouver, BC where she grew up and pursued her passion for music. Anne was active in the Moravian church and that is where she met Clarence. In the spring of 1944 they were married and moved to Calgary, Alberta, Anne as the music director and Clarence as the Moravian church pastor. For 33 years they served churches in Urichsville, Ohio, West Salem, Illinois, Bethany, Minnesota, and Leonard, North Dakota.
Anne and Clarence retired to Birch Bay to be closer to family, the ocean and mountains. They found a new church home the United Church of Ferndale and of course joined the choir and extended their family of friends. The camper was always ready to go with a picnic basket, hot water for coffee and maps laid out with new locations to explore.
Anne was passionate about music and woman’s issues in the church. She attended several Moravian Music festivals, and women’s conferences in the US and Canada. She was part of the hymnal revision committee for the Moravian church. Anne also played the viola as a young woman in Vancouver.
Family was important to Anne. She was proud of her two sons, Glenn and Marc. She enjoyed her role as grandma to Illya and Amanda. She always had coffee and cookies ready for any sister, brother, niece, nephew or cousin who may drop by.
Anne had several hobbies, gardening, needlepoint, stained glass, making Christmas ornaments, sewing, bird watching, hiking, journaling, and writing. She was friendly and outgoing, always wanting to hear everyone’s story.
Her last home was Meadow Greens in Lynden, where she lived for 20 years, making many close friends and walking daily to enjoy her favorite mountain views.
Anne was pre-deceased by her husband Clarence, son Glenn, brothers Kurt and Gordon Kobus, and sister Hertha Manning. She is survived by her son Marc Riske (Vicki), grandson Illya Riske (Jenny Brian), granddaughter Amanda Riske, and several nieces and nephews from the Kobus and Riske families.
A celebration of Anne’s life will be held at United Church of Ferndale on April 30th at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, you may send donations in Anne’s name to the United Church of Ferndale, 2034 Washington St., Ferndale, WA 98248.
Celebration Of Life
- Date & Time: January 17, 4302 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: United Church Of Ferndale
- Location: 2034 Washington Street Ferndale, WA 98248 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) 38-4-3302
4 responses to Anne Erika Riske
The Rt. Rev. Paul A. Graf, says:
March 13, 2017
The Rev. Clarence and Ann Riske were faithful servants in the ministry of the Word/Sacrament, and of music in the congregations and communities they served in the Moravian Church. The obituary mentions their camper…when I was serving the Morning Star Moravian Church in Peoria, AZ, that camper pulled into our parking lot on Sunday mornings with a delightful visit following worship. If I were to characterize Anne and Clarence, it would be in the words of Isaiah 30:15, “In quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” (NRSV) I’d also add the words “gentleness” and “kindness” as so descriptive of your folks. So, to you Mark and all in your family, know that a wider circle of family and friends holds you in their thoughts and prayers. I still recall your presence on our Boundary Waters Canoe trips and contacts during our Arizona days. May you and those you love be strengthened by God’s presence and love.Peace be with us all,
Paul
The Rt. Rev. Paul A. Graf
Bishop of the Moravian Church
John Downes says:
March 13, 2017
I can honestly say that my earliest memories are associated with a train trip my mother and I took to the USA to visit Uncle Clarence and Aunty Anne. I remember their manse with the screened porch, the layout of the house, their dog Mozart (Moe), and the really cool blanket that Anne had made that had a fuzzy leopard skin pattern.
One thing I always loved about Anne was that she listened, closely and deeply. Obviously she heard how much I liked that leopard skin fuzzy blanket, because for my birthday that year she sent me a pillow made of the same fabric. It lived on my bed for the better part of my childhood and early teen years.
Through her kindness and modelled example of active listening, I learned what it feels like to be in the presence of someone who offers non-judgmental validation. Now, as a counsellor, I offer that same presence to my clients, and teach active listening to parents. I continue to pass on the gift of being fully present, and often speak of Anne’s example when I do.
Our family, and everyone whose life Anne touched, will miss Anne’s lovely presence, but her influence lives on. My condolences go to Marc and Vicki, and Carol and Ron, and I thank them for helping to make Anne’s last year’s as comfortable as possible.
Gretchen Gerlach says:
March 13, 2017
Marc,Thanking God for Anne’s life and praying for you as you grieve your loss.
Gretchen Gerlach, West Salem Moravian Church
(the middle one of the Gerlach kids, a year older than and friend of Glenn)
Judy Loudermilk says:
March 13, 2017
Remember Anne when she was at the West Salem Moravian Church when I was young. As a youth, Anne helped me practice my solo , “Fairest Lord Jesus’, for our Christmas Eve program. Remember this and her each time that song is sang today. Great memory.