Cornelius "Cornie" Rietveld

Cornelius “Cornie” Ethan Rietveld passed to his heavenly home on the morning of July 7, 2026, at the age of 87. A Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Bridge Community Church in Albert Lea, MN. A visitation will be held an hour prior to the service. Reverand Clayton Balsley will be officiating.

He was born March 22, 1939, at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea to Neal and Jennie (Loverink) Rietveld. He attended country school in the Rose Creek area. At the age of 12, he had a severe gun accident and spent 3 months in Austin Hospital. He still carried shrapnel in his chest from the accident.

At the age of 15, following his father’s passing, he began farming with his mother and sister Irene. Cornie loved excitement and speed. He had many cars and two Harley-Davidsons, 1942 & 1951. His last bike was a 2006 Suzuki. His sister Irene recalls his many adventures.

He met his children’s mother, Nancy Fell, from Waseca, and during their 46-year marriage, they had six children: Neal, Angie, Ron, Connie, Dan, and Bob.

His jobs consisted of working on farms and construction as a mechanic and truck driver. Cornie loved to fish and had many rods. One of his favorites was owned by his deceased son, Neal, who passed away in December of 2024.

After Nancy passed away, he sold their farm but kept the 20 acres and called it “The Farm”. This is where he parked his motorhome during his many visits to “The Farm,” and where his children joined him for camping and good times. Cornie introduced Ruth Ann to camping at “The Farm,” where they spent many weeks in the summer.

Cornie's health gave him many trials and tribulations, but he was so strong until the end. He was very proud of his Dutch heritage.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy (2006); his second wife, Gertrude (2018); his parents, Neal and Jennie Rietveld; his brothers, Bob and Jack; his twin sisters at birth; and his son, Neal.

Cornie is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ruth Ann Severtson Rietveld; his children: Angie (Dave) Strommer of Alaska, Ron (Jaci) Rietveld of Aitkin, Connie (Daniel) Kingsley Ford of Aitkin, Dan (Roxanne) Rietveld of Aitkin, MN, and Bob (Jessica) Rietveld of Austin; step-children: Jeff (Janet) Severtson of Plymouth, Staci (Mark) Schumaker of Glenville, Sandin (Lisa) Grasdalen of Edgewood, WA, Chad (Nicky) Severtson of Albert Lea and Jason (Laurie) Severtson of Union, KY; brother: Tom (Joyce) Rietveld of Owatonna, sisters: Irene Rietveld of Rose Creek, Betty (Peter) Porta of Johnson City, TN, his 21 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; and by and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Rest in peace, “Babe,” till we see each other again.

A special thanks to the staff at St. Croix Hospice for their gentle care these past weeks. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bridge Community Church.