Obituary: Paul Reis

Paul Reis

New Rockford, N.D.

Paul Hans Reis, age 87, of New Rockford, N.D. passed away peacefully on the evening of April 20, 2022. He was at home in the loving care and comfort of his wife, Janice.

Paul's visitation was held Tuesday from 12 - 5 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home and continued from 6 - 7 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 6:45 p.m. and a vigil service at 7 p.m., all at the St. John's Catholic Church, New Rockford. Burial was held at the St. John's Catholic Cemetery New Rockford. Fr. Reese Weber officiated with special music by Kerstin Allmaras, pianist, and Katie Allmaras, vocalist. Congregational hymns were "How Great Thou Art", "One Day At A Time" and "On Eagle's Wings." Pallbearers were Jordan Reis, Lynn Oster, Nickolas Oster, Amanda Croegaert, Neil Backman, Nicole Wald and Luke Henjum. Honorary bearers were all of Paul's grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.

Paul was born January 30, 1935, at the city hospital in New Rockford, N.D. He was the fourth child and only son of Katherine and Paul Reis. He could remember getting a quarter to go to the movies in town and being able to also get a pop and popcorn and still take home a nickel.

Paul graduated from high school at St. James Academy in 1953 and attended one year of college at Wahpeton, N.D. for general mechanics.

Paul knew early on that he always wanted to farm. His career in farming started out west of town on the Schaefer farmstead where they lived for 14 years. They then moved south of New Rockford, which was the Gerdes farm in 1969. Paul and Janice received the opportunity to purchase this farmstead in 1975 and it became the Reis Rocky Run farm. He was always most comfortable in blue jeans and in a John Deere tractor, for he had a deep love for the land.

Paul met the love of his life, Janice, while he was in high school and they were married on June 4, 1955. Together, their union was 66 ½ years. Paul's hobbies were hunting, fishing and he would also say that farming was his favorite hobby. His absolute joy and satisfaction was owning his own farm.

Paul was a member of St John's Catholic Church and an Eagles club member.

Together Paul and Janice welcomed six children into their home; Diane, Vicki, Curtis, Kenny, Debbie and Scott. Curtis passed away in 1977 from a farm accident.

Paul is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife, Janice of 66 ½ years; his children, Diane (John) Odstrcil, Victoria (Louis) Schaefer, Kenneth (Denise) Reis, Debra (Jim) Moos and Scott (Gayle) Reis. He was also blessed with 15 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Katherine, sisters Lucille, Wynona and Dorothy, son Curtis, and grandchildren Lisa Nihill and Kari Reis.

When asked how Paul would want to be remembered he said, "being able to purchase my own farm and the love for the land." His message to all is to show kindness, help your neighbor whenever you can, and always remember to say "Thank you."

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Women's Auxiliary Cemetery Association and the New Rockford Community Ambulance.

 Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home of New Rockford, N.D.