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Joseph ‘Bud’ Reese

GLADSTONE — Joseph “Bud” Reese, 85, of Gladstone, formerly of Geneva, Ill., entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior and into the arms of his beloved wife, Caroline, on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018.

Joe was born Dec. 3, 1932, in Escanaba, to Joseph and Lillian (Johnson) Reese. He graduated from Escanaba High School in 1950. On Aug. 15, 1955, he married Caroline Kroll, also from Escanaba. Together the two raised three children: Doug, Dave and Debbie.

Joe was proud of his service to his country as a member of the United States Air Force from 1952-56. He worked in communications, stationed in Greenland. Joseph was employed by the Chicago North Western Railroad for almost 40 years, a job that took him to Illinois, retiring in 1995. After his retirement, Joe returned home to the Upper Peninsula, a place he loved dearly.

An avid sports fan, Joe loved to root for the Boston Red Sox, the Green Bay Packers, and the Michigan Wolverines. Fiercely independent, Joe still cut his own grass and plowed his own snow at the age of 85. He enjoyed meeting his friends almost every day for coffee and regularly visited friends and relatives who were unable to get out. Joe was very proud of his children and grandchildren, and enjoyed getting news about his great grandchildren. He is remembered for his dry wit and joking ways by colleagues, friends and family. A man of strong faith, he looked forward to hearing, “Welcome good and faithful servant.”

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Lillian Reese; his brother, Archie; and his wife, Caroline who passed away in 1995.

He is survived by his sons, Doug (Rosanne) and Dave, all of Gladstone; his daughter, Debbie (Russ) Bishop of Batavia, Ill.; his daughter-in-law, Lynda Reese of Escanaba; his grandchildren, Matthew (Theresa Stroker), Chris (Caitlyn), and Reilly (Drew Tetik) Reese, Christian and Gracie Bishop, and Caroline Rose Reese; his great-grandchildren, Izabella and Couper Reese and Conor and Crystal Reese; his brother, Gary (Cathy) of Gaylord, Mich.; and many loving relatives and friends.

A celebration of the life of Joseph Reese will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at Sanctuary Church, 1S430 Wenmoth Road, Batavia with Pastor Keith Hallam officiating.

Burial will be held privately at Oak Hill Cemetery in Geneva.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sanctuary Church, 1S430 Wenmoth Road, Batavia, Illinois 60510 would be appreciated.

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva. For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.