Wheaton Academy remembers teacher
A devoted friend to generations of Wheaton Academy students is being remembered by those she served as a spiritual model and guide.
Carol Riebock, a West Chicago resident, died during liver transplant surgery Wednesday at age 61. An academy teacher for 18 years, Riebock served as a chaplain, helped with music and drama productions, and taught the Bible and Christian living.
In remembering her, students and administrators repeatedly describe Riebock as honest, genuine, approachable, unique, and, most of all, hilarious -- even during sermons.
"It's a pretty quiet environment, and often Carol will be the voice that will laugh incredibly loudly, especially when you tell jokes," said Chip Huber, dean of spiritual life at the school, who taught next door to Riebock for a decade. "Or else she'll shout a big 'amen' from the back."
Riebock loved helping students to grow into the people they wanted to be, he said.
Beginning in her freshman year, Wheaton resident Jenna Luetkehans, now a 17-year-old senior, remembers how Riebock taught her to pray by first supplicating herself to God.
"I remember talking about the Holy Spirit. What that really is, how it works. … She was so open about it," Luetkehans said. "She would meet people where they were at. And you knew she wasn't judging you."
Riebock didn't spend much time talking about herself, but was emphatic about learning other people's stories, she said.
Every time Riebock saw 17-year-old senior Craig Maertens, her neighbor in West Chicago and student, she would ask about a family member of his who was ill.
But Maertens was impressed by Riebock's own bravery, especially after her husband, James, died early this summer. Riebock always had joy and faith, he said.
"She completely is opposite what you think she would be," Maertens said. "She's not a grandma. She's a young crazy, funny lady who doesn't act for anybody. She doesn't have two faces. She's always the same."
Riebock leaves behind her children, Corbett, Josh, and Quinn; son-in-law Josh Burick; daughter-in-law Kristen Riebock; and her mother, Helena Gostovich.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. today in Edman Chapel on the campus of Wheaton College.
Donations can be sent to the Carol Riebock Memorial Fund, care of Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, 430 E. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, IL 60187.