Date of Death: December 3, 2025
Service Details
His family will receive friends Wednesday, December 10, 2025 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A funeral service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Derl Keefer officiating. He will be laid to rest in Poe’s Cemetery.
Obituary Notice
Gary Glenn Rifenberg, 81, of Three Rivers, passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Three Rivers Health surrounded by his loving family.
He was born July 11, 1944 in Three Rivers, the son of Glenn and Velma “Peggy” Rifenberg, and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1962.
Gary furthered his education at Albion College graduating in 1966 and the University of Michigan – of which he was a longtime fan – graduating from there with his MBA in 1968.
On June 24, 1967 he married Judy Stafford. Despite the relationship getting off to a rocky start when he called her the wrong name on their first date, he soon asked for five more dates and they began their lifelong committed relationship. They enjoyed many years together making precious memories with family and friends.
Growing up in the family business, insurance, Gary stepped right into the work as an insurance owner and agent, doing personal and commercial insurance and risk management through Rifenberg Insurance.
Community involvement marked Gary’s life, whether on the Camp Wakeshma Board, First National Bank Board, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Jaycees, Planning Commission, Michigan College Foundation, the campaign committee to elect Fred Upton, or the St. Joseph County Community Chest. He was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church where he was on the pastor/parish committee, helped with the youth group, worked on the sound system, and taught Sunday School.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Judy Rifenberg; daughters, Joy (Jason) Scott and Jill (Chris) Katsaros; grandchildren, Jacob (Emma) Scott, Darby Scott, Taylor Katsaros (Matt) Roberts, and Nicklas Katsaros; great-granddaughter, Abigail Ann Roberts; sister, Shirley (Carl) Featherstone.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Additional Information
Donations in Gary’s memory may be directed to Dementia Society of America (www.dementiasociety.org) or Three Rivers Rotary Club. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
When your condolences are submitted they will not display until approved by the Hohner staff for appropriateness out of respect for their memory. They should appear within 24 hours or less. Thank you for your understanding.
Our condolences to the family. Gary was the first person we met in TR in 1983. He made our two children feel good about moving to Michigan and loaded Bill a tie since I forgot to pack one for his interview. Later he had members of the TR band play the Michigan University song on our front yard when Illinois played UM in football. That was a crazy alarm clock on a Saturday morning. Good memories of Gary and the family. Bill and Linda Yates
Memories are always to be held close. We have shared many over the years. Hugs to you all know we care. Mary K & Andy
Judy, Having known you for 70+ years (!!) and Gary for almost 50 I know this is a deep loss to all of you. Condolences to you and the family from this side of the Latimer clan.
My condolences to his wife and family. I got to know Gary–a cousin—when we were in High School at TR. May God be with up all at this time and cover you with comfort.
Judy, Jillybean & Joy, my hugs & prayers are being sent your way. I was blessed to see you both, Judy, not long before I left for my mobile mansion here in Florida. I have fond memories from school, even though Gary was in the much older class with my sister. Love & wishes for peace for all of you💜🙏. Alice
Sending condolences on behalf of the Ron and Diane Reece family and the John and Diane Taffee family. Gary was an instrumental part of the Methodist church during the time I attended as a child. He was always busy running sound in the back. So sorry to his wife Judy, and daughters Joy and Jill. Thinking of you during this difficult time…
For my friend Gary,
My name is Tony, and it’s an honor to speak here today to celebrate the life of my dear friend, Gary Rifenberg. I met Gary back in 1998, when I was just 20 years old, and from that day forward, he became a meaningful part of my life. What started as a working relationship quickly grew into a friendship built on wisdom, laughter, generosity, and the kind of conversations that stay with you forever.
Gary was a man who lived with heart. Every conversation had purpose, depth, and meaning. Even with nearly a 40‑year age difference between us, we connected like brothers. We shared countless lunches, countless stories, and more than a few moments of good‑natured mischief—always with Judy keeping a loving eye on us to make sure we didn’t get ourselves into trouble.
But what I’ll remember most is Gary’s compassion. He cared deeply about people. He checked on me every single day while I was building my home and going through one of the hardest periods of my life. He looked out for me, for my son Wyatt, and even for my little dog Django. His kindness never stopped at words—he showed it through action. Whether it was offering me work, offering guidance, or offering a place to stay in Florida so I could make memories with my son, Gary was always there.
I’ll never forget last week, when I had the privilege of helping him up after he fell. He gave me a smile—one of those warm, familiar smiles—and he gave me a hug. I didn’t know it would be our last, but I’m grateful God gave me that moment. I will carry it with me for the rest of my life.
I am comforted knowing Gary passed peacefully and without pain. And I am comforted even more knowing, without a doubt, that Gary is now in heaven. For those of us who share that faith, we know this isn’t goodbye. This is only “see you later.” Someday, I’ll sit with Gary again, and we’ll pick up right where we left off.
Godspeed, Gary. Thank you for every memory, every lesson, and every moment of friendship.
Until we meet again,
Tony
On the first week starting a new job 43 years ago this month I was introduced to Gary when he came by the office. The anticipated brief encounter turned into an hour of wide ranging conversation from business to UM sports to family with a variety of other interesting topics in-between. When he left I knew I had a new business colleague but more importantly a new forever great friend. Gary always had a special way of connecting with people. I have an abundance of great memories my time with Gary since that day so many years ago. My sympathies and thoughts go out to Judy, their girls Joy and Jill and their families of whom Gary was so proud of and dearly loved them all. Gary, my friend, congratulations on a purposeful life that was very well lived. God’s speed on your next journey.
Oh Miss Judy , I’m so sorry for your loss.
He was a joy when he would come into the cleaners, I will miss my buddy.!
Keeping you and your family in my prayers and thoughts.
RIP my dear friend
Judy, our thoughts are with you. Will so miss seeing his smiling face at the orchard or at Applebees. Beth and all at Corey lake orchards.
Judy so sorry to hear about Gary. Thnking about you all.
Sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Judy,
I am so sorry for your loss.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jill, I am sorry to hear about your family’s loss. Thinking of you all and hoping you cherish all your memories at this time.
Oh no…. I am so very sorry to hear this awful news. My love and prayers to the whole family 😔🙏
So sorry to hear about this. Gary was a loyal Methodist and friend to everyone who knew him, and a fine family man in our community. He will be missed.
Judy I am so sorry to hear about Gary. I loved seeing him come into our office. He was such a ray of sunshine every time I saw him!!!! I miss seeing you both!!
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Judy, Joy & Jill & grandchildren. He was a great husband, father & grand father. He loved to make jokes & enjoyed life. He is with his Lord & at peace.