The Riehle Family Scholarship Fund was established by Richard Riehle on behalf of the Riehle Family in memory of his late mother, Phyllis Riehle, a cherished member of the Spillville, Iowa community. Phyllis devoted 29 years of her life as a South Winneshiek school bus driver, touching the lives of countless students and families with her kindness, humor, and dedication. She was not only a reliable driver but also a trusted and compassionate presence in the lives of those she served. Her unwavering commitment to the children on her routes left a lasting impact, creating cherished memories and inspiring stories that endure to this day.

Richard created the Riehle Family Scholarship Fund as a way to honor Phyllis’s legacy while investing in the future of local students. Funded initially through Phyllis’s estate, the scholarship embodies her values of perseverance, hard work, and love for her community. It is awarded annually to a graduate of South Winneshiek High School who demonstrates financial need, maintains a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and shows a strong passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs.

This scholarship extends beyond academic excellence, seeking to recognize students who exhibit initiative, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to achieving positive goals. While Phyllis herself was not formally focused on education, she believed in the potential of every child and created lasting connections that exemplified care and encouragement. Through this fund, Richard honors his mother’s spirit by empowering students to pursue their dreams.

Richard chose the Winneshiek County Community Foundation as a trusted partner to help manage and grow the fund. He was inspired by the impact of South Winneshiek’s Dollars for Scholars program, which his sister-in-law Leah supports, and saw the Community Foundation as an ideal way to establish an enduring legacy in Phyllis’s name.

Looking to the future, Richard envisions the fund growing to provide an annual scholarship of $4,000. This vision ensures that Phyllis’s caring spirit and her meaningful connections with the community continue to inspire and support South Winneshiek students for generations to come.

Online gifts can be made to the Riehle Family Scholarship Fund at www.cfneia.org/donations/riehlefamily. For more information on this fund, contact the Winneshiek County Community Foundation at 319-287-9106.