John Alan Reis died unexpectedly of natural causes on September 9, 2023, at the age of 57.
John was the fourth of five children born to Dolores (Do) and William (Bill) Reis, in St. Louis County, Missouri. As a very young child, it became clear that John was going to bring some special challenges to the Reis family, but also some unbelievably joyful times. Some may even recall him as a child, standing in the front yard on Florence Avenue for hours, waving at each of the cars that drove by (motorcycles got two hands) or playing football with a set of small plastic statues of the presidents of the United States, narrating the play-by-play for anyone within earshot.
John lived his entire life in the Webster Groves/Shrewsbury/Affton area, attending Bishop DuBourg and Southview high schools, and working primarily for Ballas Car Wash, Great American Corporate Dining, and most recently, nearly 19 years at Walmart in Maplewood. John was known as a reliable, dedicated, and friendly employee (with both customers and coworkers), and John took justifiable pride in those qualities.
John was a devout Catholic, a member of Holy Redeemer and Cure of Ars parishes during his lifetime (including serving as Eucharistic Minister), and a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus. In addition, John appreciated — and benefitted greatly from — his long-time associations with Sunnyhill, Inc. and Pathways to Independence.
John enthusiastically followed several professional sports teams (everything local, but somehow also became an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan at an early age). Just like his grandpa, his favorite team was probably the St. Louis baseball Cardinals and both of them were known to voice fervent opinions about the performance of their teams, both on the field and in the management offices.
However, to John, absolutely nothing compared to time spent with friends and family. When told that one of his nieces was expecting a baby and that meant that he would be a great-uncle, his reply was that he had always been a great uncle, which he most definitely was. John never forgot to acknowledge a birthday, anniversary, or holiday with a card, a call, or both.
John is survived by sisters, Carolyn Woods, Patricia (Scott) Hackett, and Janice (Craig) Smith, and brother, Jeff (Leslie); nieces and nephews, Justin, Stephanie (Jon), Emerson, Samuel, Gabrielle, Stephen (Jocelyne), Benjamin, David, Daniel, Peter, Cydney, Christopher, Mary Michaela, and Andrew; great niece Harper and great nephew Leo; aunts and uncle Barbara (David) Brigham; Nancy Goyda, and Marie Reis; and many cousins. John was preceded in death by his parents, his uncles Michael Goyda and Richard Reis, and his brother-in-law Jack Woods.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 6, 2023, from 4-7 pm at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois, St. Louis, MO 63123. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 10 am at Holy Redeemer Church, 17 Joy Avenue (facing East Lockwood), Webster Groves, MO 63119. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers and other gifts of remembrance, please consider a donation to Sunnyhill, Inc. (an organization that provides tailored residential, recreational, and educational opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities), or Pathways to Independence, (a program committed to developing social, interpersonal, and communication skills in individuals with cognitive disabilities):
Sunnyhill, Inc.
14 Soccer Park Road
Fenton MO, 63026
https://www.classy.org/give/502926/#!/donation/checkout?eg=true
Or
Pathways to Independence
11457 Olde Cabin Road, Suite 235
St. Louis, MO 63141
Home – Pathways to Independence (ptistl.org)
To My Family, I miss Aunt Do and Uncle Bill quite a bit. I cannot believe that “little John” has gone on to meet them. Hopefully, we will all be together one day.
Love and prayers always,
Connie Jean Goyda
John was a friendly, lovely man. It is a testimony to his remaining family that his life was so successful. Some of us have many talents but few have such honest hearts.
Thank you so much for your kind words. His death has left an emptiness that only God can fill. Your thoughtfulness is very appreciated. Janice
I went to South View with John. He was one of my first friends in school. I remember as a kid going to Bilakin hockey games with his family. And hanging out at his house. So so sorry to hear of the loss. He was one of a kind.
I am so so sorry for your loss. John was one of my first friends at South View. I remember hanging out at his house. And going to hockey games. He knew me as Teddy Petry. He was one of a kind.
Tricia and family,
We are so sorry about the loss of your brother. You always spoke very fondly of him. You helped him live in so many ways. Cherish the happy memories. May the Lord bless and comfort you and your family.
So sorry for John’s siblings and their children. I remember John’s smile and his joyful personality. He is now happily reunited with his wonderful parents.
It’s normal, in remembrance, to say only the nicest things we can think to say. To focus on the very best memories. To gather with all of those who also loved and pool together the proudest moments from the life of our lost friend. I have more than 30 years worth of great memories to contribute to that pool for John loved me as he loved all of his family, genuinely and deeply from the moment he learned their name.
But for my Uncle, I think the most important thing I can say is not that he was honest, helpful and kind. Though he was often all of those things. The most important thing about Uncle John is that he was the only person I’ve known about whom I can truthfully say: I never knew him to be dishonest, never unwilling to help and never unkind.
It may not have been an easy road and I know many fine people worked hard to help him get there; but the man he grew to be was truly remarkable. He loved everyone he knew with open and honest curiosity about our lives. He wanted good things for each of us with a selflessness that I can only aspire to going forward. I will treasure my memories with Uncle John for the rest of my life; not only the best ones, but every one.
John, “Uncle John” to me, you will be missed by me and lots of others, you were an amazing man, and will forever be an amazing man.
You were always so kind and humble, I will keep your personality, grit, loyalty and your generosity in my heart. Your legacy will live on.
I love you so much uncle John may you Rest In Peace
John was the truest example of a pure heart.
He loved his family unconditionally and always embraced new members with sincerity and courtesy.
John mastered a listening skill many of us are still working on – that of being interested and not just interesting.
He will be missed dearly.
May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God –
Rest In Peace.
Rita
John was kind and a helpful soul. He always had a good heart and was willing to chip in and help when needed. He remained committed to his Catholic faith and showing love & kindness to all those he came into contact with. I helped mentor him along the way over the last 20 years and I considered him a good friend. Even when we couldn’t see each other face to face, he would always remember to call me every Sunday night to talk about the weeks current sporting & community events going on. He will be missed but never forgotten. May his loving memory continue to inspire us all how to treat one another.