Reed, Richard (1940-2015)

REED, JAQUES, KRIEGER, OHLERKING, HOVERSTEN, WESTFALL, DAVIS

Posted By: Colleen J Ossman (email)
Date: 5/3/2015 at 14:13:15

April 30, 2015
The Daily Freeman Journal

Richard Reed, 74, of Woolstock, died, Sunday, April 26, 2015 at his home. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 1, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Woolstock Community Hall.

Rich was born in a tenant house near Lake Cornelia on May 30, 1940 to John and Beulah Jaques Reed. He spent much of his childhood traveling to several western states with his folks, sister Doris, and brother John. He learned his outstanding work ethic by watching his parents work in a shipyard during the war and by working alongside them in cotton, strawberry, and various other fields. They eventually settled back in Iowa where he attended school in Galt then Clarion before joining the Marines. He served from 1960-1964 with an assignment in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

In 1972, his love of cars led him to the dirt track. His red and white 72 brought him a lot of victories at the Hamilton County Speedway and other area tracks. "Sneaky Snake" gained a lot of fans, ultimately winning the heart of one and marrying her in 1977.

Lorena, daughter of Loren and Shirley Krieger, was the love of his life. They had a lot of fun together traveling, raising animals, gardening, fishing, and working. They created a happy and close-knit family life for their kids. Rich was a great Dad to Shannon and Shane who both think the world of him.

While he excelled at many jobs, Rich's true calling was working with trees. He started his career in trees in his 20s and continued until last year. He ran a fair and honest business with his wife as #1 cleanup crew. Besides trimming thousands of trees in the surrounding communities, he responsibly logged several Iowa timbers on his own and with his brother. He attempted to retire the tree business in 1993, only to be brought back in by Dave Riedel. Rich and Dave enjoyed several years of tree work together before passing the torch to their respective sons.

Rich was a devoted and loving husband, exceptional Dad, superior Grandpa, expert pool player, unbeaten arm wrestler, and a selfless human. He was loved and admired and he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Lorena of Woolstock; daughter, Shannon (Josh) Ohlerking of Baton Rouge, LA; son, Shane (Virginia Hoversten) Reed of Eagle Grove; grandchildren, Vaughn, Monroe, Monet, Marley, Vanessa; brother, John (Jeanine) Reed of Woolstock; several nieces and nephews.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Victoria Westfall and sister, Doris Davis.