Roger Bennie Reiling 1946 - 2018
REILING, ANDERSON, MILLER
Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/27/2018 at 17:06:34
Onawa Democrat
24 January 2018Roger B. Reiling, 71, of Moorhead, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2018, at his home.
Memorial services will be 10:30 A.M. Monday, January 22, 2018, at the Rush Family Chapel in Onawa, with Father Michael Erpelding celebrant. Burial will follow in the Onawa Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Marine Corps, the David McNeill American Legion Post #129 of Onawa, and the Monona County VFW Post #2694. Visitation will be 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Sunday, January 21, 2018, with a scriptural prayer service at 7:00 P.M., at the Rush Family Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Family Care Service in Onawa.
Roger Bennie Reiling was born on August 30, 1946, in Sioux City, Iowa. He was the son of Bennie Franklin and Nadene Eileen (Anderson) Reiling. As a young boy, Roger greatly enjoyed the company of his beloved grandpa James (Anderson) above all. His grandpa James was his best friend, his teacher, and his hero. Grandpa James taught Roger what it meant to be loyal, kind, and to have integrity. Roger maintained this unrivaled sense of integrity throughout all the days of his remark- able life. The relationship with his grandpa James is what formed the character that led so many people to hold Roger in the highest esteem possible.
In Roger's early life, he learned the value of friendship. He forged some everlasting friendships that were so unbreakable, most of us will never be able to even fathom. This "band of brothers" buoyed, bolstered, and sustained each other over a 60 year span in a way that is indescribable. They misbehaved together as kids, were soldiers together as early adults, and played poker and rode Harley Davidsons together in retirement. These "brothers" rallied around Roger in his last days as well.
He served with the United States Marine Corps from October 29, 1963, until his honorable discharge on October 27, 1967. He then transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve until October 28, 1969. On October 30, 1969, he joined the United States Army, and served until his honorable discharge on October 29, 1972. Roger loved his country so much that he voluntarily enlisted in the Marines at the age of seventeen and went on to serve two tours in Vietnam, where he earned three Bronze stars. After returning home from the war, he became a recruiter and instilled his patriotism into a whole new generation of soldiers. He flew his flags high and wore his Semper Fi patches proud. Anyone who knew Roger knew that being a Marine and a soldier were his most prized accomplishments.
Roger handed down his love of country to his children as well. Four out of seven of them are now veterans too. Above all, he taught his children never to hesitate once a decision has been made, to look people in the eye when they are talking to you, and to say what you mean/mean what you say. His love for them was fierce and unconditional.
He married Carla "Curly" Miller on November 10, 2004, in Onawa. She preceded him in death on August 20, 2013. Carla was instrumental in improving Roger's quality of life. She helped him in the healing process of his P.T.S.D. As Roger was a Vietnam Sniper, he struggled with survivor's guilt among many other post-war side effects. Carla helped him heal and to recognize the hero that he really was. They had a love like no other and he loved her two daughters, Sweet Pea and Chrissy as if they were his own.
Survivors include seven children, seventeen grandchildren, five great grandchildren, his companion Cheri, and two German Shepherds. Any and all of which he would have given his life for.
He was preceded in death by a sister, a brother, and a wife.
Monona Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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