Frederick Nelson Reiber, 93, of Allendale, Illinois, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at his home. He was born on November 9, 1932, at home in Allendale, Illinois, the son of George W. and Maggie (McCarrell) Reiber. Nelson married the love of his life, Clara M. Shearer, on November 30, 1952, and together they shared seventy-three years of marriage centered on their faith, love, and devotion to family.
Nelson’s life was marked by hard work, faithful service, and a deep love for the Lord and for others. He began working in the oil fields before going to work for Anderson Brothers Oil Company. In 1965, Nelson and Clara moved to Allendale where they owned and operated Reiber’s Grocery Store for over ten years, becoming a familiar and valued part of the community.
Nelson later worked for Pacific Press & Shear as a serviceman, traveling to several countries setting up presses and shears. He eventually moved into the office where he supervised and oversaw the servicemen. Later in life, Nelson felt called into the ministry and attended seminary at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. From 1993 until 2000, he faithfully served several churches including Bethel United Methodist Church, Adams Corner Church, and Benld United Methodist Church. He also held weekly Bible studies with the boys at the Southwest Indiana Youth Village in Vincennes, Indiana.
Nelson remained devoted to his faith throughout his life. He continued attending weekly Wednesday morning prayer meetings with local pastors in town, even meeting on the very morning that the Lord called him home. Nelson loved the Lord deeply and desired everyone he met to know Him as well.
Nelson spent countless hours on the computer sending prayer requests around the world. He and Clara faithfully prayed together every night for their family, friends, and all those in need. For more than twenty years, they also helped raise support for Victorious Children’s Home in Kenya, Africa, operated by Vicki Odundo, who lovingly referred to them as “Mom and Dad.” Nelson will be remembered for his strong faith, servant’s heart, and compassion for others. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Nelson will be remembered by his loving wife, Clara Reiber; daughters, Alena Pettyjohn and husband, David, Kimberly Pierson and husband, Greg, Sandra Wheeler and husband, Jim, Vicki Odundo from Kenya, whom they considered as their own; grandchildren, Joey and Lisha Pettyjohn, Jay and Amy Pettyjohn, Andrew and Chelsey Pierson, Caleb and Maura Pierson, Elijah and Mallorie Pierson, Brooks Wheeler, Meredith and Steve Bennett, Luke and Liz Wheeler, Allie Wheeler, and Hannah Wheeler; great grandchildren, Noah Pettyjohn and Fiancé’ Valerie, Josie Pettyjohn, Jayden, Jake and Jep Pettyjohn, Jerica and Ainsley Pierson, Elisha, Emmett and Elsie Pierson, Lily Pierson, Kaden Meisaichi, Dane and Holly Wheeler, Maddy and Emma Bennett, Summer and Lilah Wheeler; sister, Esther Calverley; sister-in-law, Judy Keepes and her husband, Eugene; many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Nelson was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Charles Calverley; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Joann and Bob Johnson, and Johann and Don Shearer.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Evangelical United Methodist Church.
Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Church with Noah Pettyjohn and Elijah Pierson officiating. Burial will follow at Allendale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Nelson’s memory to Victorious Children’s Home or to Hope Pregnancy Center. Envelopes will be at the Church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Nelson’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the Reiber family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
