Philip C. Rietveld

Philip Claud Rietveld, age 94, of Crete, IL, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026. He was preceded in death by wife, Audrey (Veld), parents Cornelius and Nellie (Prince), brothers David, Robert (Joyce) and Jay (Sherry). He is survived by his four children, Lisa Rietveld (Trilby White), Renee Malm (John), Linda Van Drunen (Kevin), and Jenny Mack. Grandfather to Jordan (Kerianne) Malm, Dane (Sydney) Malm, Noah (Morgan) Malm, Daniel VanDrunen, Elizabeth Van Drunen (Carson Nicola), Katherine Van Drunen, and Kate O'Brien. Great Grandfather to Finn, Mila, Margot, Haven, Olive, Cash, Ozzy and Parker Malm.

He graduated Thornton High School in Harvey, IL, went on to attain his Bachelor's degree at the Chicago Conservatory of Music in 1953.

Phil married Audrey (Veld) in 1958 and started his family on the farm in South Holland, where they grew onion sets and tomatoes for Campbell's Soup.

He loved playing his piano and pipe organ and was a lifelong supporter of Chicago's Lyric Opera and Symphony. Phil and Audrey were avid bridge partners, hosting games in their home for decades.

After selling the family farm in 1977, Phil went on to own and operate apartment buildings, giving him time to enjoy his passion for raising Saddlebred Show horses and award-winning Standardbred Race horses.

Phil was known for his homemade pies and concord grape jam. He was a curious baker, always researching and collecting recipes throughout his life. His cookies, bars and pies were much anticipated additions to every gathering

Phil loved to be social, spend time with friends, tackle a new project and work hard. Phil was always engaging and his mischievous spirit will be sorely missed.

Private burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Lansing, IL.  Arrangements entrusted to Smits Funeral Home – Dyer, IN. For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com