Earl August John Rients

Earl August John Rients, age 82, of Kasota, passed away at home on Thursday, October 22, 2020. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2020 at the St. Peter Funeral Home. Memorial service will be at 11 a.m., on Saturday, October 31, 2020, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Mankato, with visitation continuing one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, St. Peter. St. Peter Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Earl was born July 18, 1938, to Louie and Anna (Meister) Rients in Rost Township, MN.  He married Helen A. Matasovsky, his high school sweetheart, on July 27, 1957, in Jackson, MN.  Helen passed away on July 2, 1995.  Earl later married Yvonne “Bonnie” Kaveney on October 3, 1997, in the City of Kasota, MN.  Bonnie passed away on June 21, 2016.

During Earl’s senior year at Lakefield High School, he enlisted in the National Guard of Minnesota and as a Reserve of the Army of the United States.  He served for 7 years and was honorably discharged in 1964.

Earl’s employment history included things such as purchasing Lakefield Wholesale upon graduation, owning his own milk delivery truck for Lakefield Creamery, opening a NAPA store when Helen and Earl moved to St. Peter in 1971, to more recent ventures of Tri-County Water, Grandpa’s Popcorn Wagon, Ooodles Café, and Kans for Kids.  Earl was a ‘people person’.  He enjoyed taking time to sit and chat, have a cup of coffee, or share a meal with family and friends. 

Earl is survived by his children, Douglas (Lorie) Rients, Cynthia (Jay) Jindra, and Cheryl (Wayne “Wade”) May; grandchildren, Tucker Rients, Jennifer (Jessop) Krocak, Katie (Tyler) Woitas, Levi May, and Shelby May; great-grandchildren, Bowen Krocak, Jude Krocak, Henry Woitas, and Hazel Woitas; sister-in-law, June Rients, as well as many other nieces, nephews and friends. Earl is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Helen (Matasovsky) Rients and second wife, Yvonne “Bonnie” (Kaveney) Rients; grandson, Ryan May; siblings, Lester (Ardell) Rients, Clarabelle (Harlen) Steffan, Merle Rients, and infant sister, Beverly Rients.