Albert (Al) Joseph Reis, 95, Sargeant

Published 10:12 am Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Albert (Al) Joseph Reis, 95, of rural Sargeant, Minn., passed away peacefully Saturday, March 23, 2013, at his home with his wife, Luthera; daughter, Jeanne; and son, Jerry by his side.

Albert Reis

Albert was born Jan. 7, 1918, in Pocahontas County, Iowa, to Leo and Mary (Murphy) Reis. He attended country school in Pocahontas County, Iowa. He graduated from Sioux City Barber School, Sioux City, Iowa. He farmed near Varina, Iowa, until 1950, when he moved to his current farm near Sargeant.

Albert married Luthera M. Subbert on Jan. 7, 1947, in Storm Lake, Iowa. The couple were happily married for 66 years. They had two children: a daughter, Norma Jean (Jeanne), and son, Jerry Alan.

Al enjoyed farming. Even after retiring from farming, he continued to farm in his heart. He was known to be able to fix nearly anything. He loved to hunt and fish. He spent many summers at Roberts Lake and Lake Tetonka near Waterville, Minn. During the winter months he was a “snowbird,” spending his winters at his home in Mesa, Ariz. He enjoyed the roses grown in Mesa by Luthera. Because of failing health, the winter of 2011-2012 was his last winter in Mesa.

Al loved his friends and family dearly, and they loved him and his Irish humor. Albert was known as “Papa” to his grand and great-grandchildren. He would patiently let them “style” his hair, a memory they all share. He loved to tease them and make silly faces and make them laugh. The past few years, Albert suffered much pain. Despite the pain, he always had the biggest smile for his family, doctors, nurses and caregivers. His smile will not be forgotten.

Al is survived by his wife, Luthera; daughter, Jeanne Reis-Voeltz, Pine Island, Minn.; son, Jerry Reis, Sargeant; grandchildren, Kimberly (Voeltz) Pechman, Lakewood, Colo.; Elisa Voeltz (Craig Bruske), Pine Island; Amanda Voeltz (Chris Carskadon), Pine Island; Nicole Larson (Brian Whittlef) Faribault, Minn.; Danielle Reis, Northfield, Minn.; Erin Reis, Eden Prairie, Minn.; great-grandchildren, Adam Pechman, Neva Voeltz, Haylee Bruske, Taren Burkhart-Voeltz, Isabelle Burkhart-Voeltz, Paige Larson, Chase Larson and Brayden Reis; sister, Clarice Bunda, Pocahontas, Iowa; brothers-in-law, Ivan Subbert, Waltham; Harold Reigelsberger, Humboldt, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Bernadine Reis, Pocahontas; Helen Reis, Fonda, Iowa; Ruth Reis, Pocahontas; many nieces and nephews; and daughter-in-law Kim Reis, Northfield.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Mary Murphy Reis; brothers, Leonard, Leon and Raymond; sisters, Jean Reigelsberger; Mary Rose Wolf; two infant brothers; one granddaughter, Cathy Ann Voeltz and Richard Voeltz.

A Mass of Christian burial will be offered on Saturday, April 6, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 150 Second St. NE in Hayfield with the Rev. Steven Peterson celebrating. Albert will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield.

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. with Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2013, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, 501 Second St. NW, Hayfield, Minn., and at the church from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.