Ronald Louis Reis
August 5, 1928 – November 7, 2021
Ronald L. Reis, fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church, passed peacefully in his home, with family at his side on November 7, 2021. Ron was a loving and devoted husband for nearly 65 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary. Together they were blessed with three children, Laury Kremer, Michael (Jan) Reis and Susan (Richard) Butler. Prior to becoming a husband and father, Ron earned a few stripes as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. To know him was to know a proud Marine— meticulous, loyal, honorable, diligent, strong and disciplined. These character traits provided the foundation for Ron’s achievements at Union Electric where he rose to District Superintendent across 32 years with the company.
When Ron was not busy working at Union Electric to provide for his family, in his younger years you might have found him going to night school, playing cards with some buddies, heading out for bowling night, or taking in a fishing trip. Later in life, Ron spent much of his free time assisting neighbors, friends, or one of his kids with repairs of one sort or another. Through it all, he was a devoted husband and phenomenal dad. If he was missing in action, you knew he was heading off to the lake looking to catch a couple bass before topping off a long hard day of casting with a “Ron Reis Manhattan.”
Grandparenthood eventually stole Ron’s heart. Once he held his beautiful granddaughter, Kelsey, grandchildren became his pride and joy. After Kelsey, Ron was blessed with another grandchild every four years or so, first Kelsey (Adam), then three rambunctious grandsons, Michael (Alyssa), Clayton and Connor. Grandpa Ron was known to attend nearly every soccer, volleyball and baseball game ever played by his grandsons, and celebrate every academic accomplishment of his bright, beautiful and high achieving grand-daughter, Kelsey. In recent years, little ones continued to come along for Ron, in the way of great-grandchildren, now totaling three great-grandsons, Michael Andrew, Jr., Owen and Maximillian. Nothing has delighted Great Grandpa Ron more than seeing those energetic little ones!
Ron was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Mary, his parents, Adelaide and Oliver Reis, his older sister Beverly, and two younger sisters, Arlyn and Carol. He is survived by his brother Lyle (Mickey) Reis and his sister Lynn (Dave) Reiter. Ron will also be lovingly remembered by a dear friend of the family, Sharon Gerken and his beloved brother-in-law George (Ginny) Bockwinkel. Sharon was like a daughter and was always sure to stop by with a smile and of course some type of tasty treat for Ron’s insatiable appetite. George’s regular phone calls and road trips into St Louis, were a cherished gift to Ron.
Simply put, “they don’t make ‘em like Ron Reis anymore” He will forever remain in our hearts.
Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on November 18, 2021 at 11 A.M. at Queen of All Saints Church. Visitation will precede Mass from 10-11 A.M. in the Church Vestibule at Queen of All Saints. Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
My condolences to all of you. Always enjoyed conversations with Ron.
My condolences to all of you. Always enjoyed conversations with Ron.
I love the photo you chose! I met Mr Reis in the last two months of his life among us. We had some interesting conversations and I always came to the conclusion that this was a devoted family man. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Susan and Richard, you continue to inspire me with your love and devotion!
I love the photo you chose! I met Mr Reis in the last two months of his life among us. We had some interesting conversations and I always came to the conclusion that this was a devoted family man. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Susan and Richard, you continue to inspire me with your love and devotion!