Family Life
Ben met his wife, Alice Janet Johnson, while at South Dakota State College. She was from Erwin, South Dakota and earned a degree in home economics. They were married on Dec. 26, 1933.
Ben and Alice had only one child, Loyce, who was born in 1935.
Alice Johnson Reifel
Alice was a constant and indispensable supporter of her husband through five campaigns. She was involved in the Congressional Wives Club. As a member of this club, Alice served as chairman of the Red Cross group that met regularly to make bandages and layettes. She also accompanied her husband to White House receptions and State dinners. On Feb. 14, 1972, Alice met an untimely death when she died of pneumonia.
Ben and Alice Reifel
Ben and Alice Reifel in 1965
Alice with President Eisenhower
Alice Reifel meets President Eisenhower with other Congressional wives in 1962.
Children and Grandchildren
Loyce married Emery Anderson. They had three daughters, Lisa, Laurie, and Valerie.
Loyce married Emery Anderson. They had three daughters, Lisa, Laurie, and Valerie Reifel Family
Ben and Alice with their daughter Loyce and granddaughters Lisa, Laurie, and Valerie in 1960.
The Reifels with their Granddaughters
Ben and Alice Reifel with their granddaughters meet Mr. Quinn at the Republican Headquarters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Frances Colby
Following the death of his wife, Ben reconnected with a former classmate Frances Ryland Colby of De Smet, South Dakota They married on Aug. 14, 1972. They lived in Washington, D.C. until 1973, when they returned to South Dakota to make their home in Aberdeen.
Frances Reifel died Feb. 27, 1995. She is buried next her first husband, Irving Colby.
Ben and Frances Reifel
Ben and Frances Reifel on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
Ben and Frances at the South Dakota Art Museum
Ben Reifel and his wife, Frances, were honored in 1986 by the South Dakota Art Museum for their years of service on the Board of Trustees.
Ben Reifel (1906-1990)
Ben Reifel died of cancer on Jan. 2, 1990, at the age of 83. He was laid to rest in Erwin, South Dakota next to his wife, Alice.
He left behind a legacy of breaking down the racial barriers in South Dakota.
Legislative Commemoration
The State of South Dakota issued a Legislative Commemoration Certificate for Ben Reifel upon his death. Signed by Walter D. Miller, Fee Jacobsen, Royal Wood, and Paul Inman.
