Daniel Joseph “Dan” Reis, affectionately known as “Mr. Reis” to his students, and “Danny” to his closest friends, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, after his short battle with cancer on March 10, 2025. Dan was born on October 4, 1945, in Prescott, Wisconsin, the oldest son of Herman and Virginia (Deiss) Reis. He attended St. Mary’s Big River Parochial School before graduating from Prescott High School. After graduating, he received his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Technical Education from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and followed up by receiving his masters from St Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Dan learned the value of hard work and dedication while working alongside his father and siblings on the family farm – something evident in the strength of his forearms, his reverence for the land, and his appreciation of a large family. He later applied his education as a teacher, first for the New Lisbon School District before starting his tenure for the Hudson School District, where he taught high school conservation and shop classes. “Mr. Reis” was known for his gentle voice and his ability to connect with students, understanding that not all kids learn the same. With that, he was instrumental in starting and leading the state-recognized School-to-Work program, which brought together area businesses and educators to prepare students for real world employment. He firmly believed that every person deserves a voice and the opportunity to make an impact in society. Dan was also a dedicated member of the community, serving the Oak Grove Township, the Pierce County Board, the Pierce County Fair Board, and an impressive ten years as a Pierce Pepin Co-Op Director.

Dan’s love of the outdoors fueled his passion for woodworking, where he crafted unique birdhouses and furniture among other odds and ends for family and friends. He enjoyed little construction projects on the side when he wasn’t busy helping out his brother Joe on the farm or his neighbors, whom he’s always said he had the best ones. He especially loved being outdoors during spring turkey season and deer hunting in the fall, though the fall deer hunt was what he looked forward to the most. He loved everything about it from cooking his famous chili to being out in the woods with those that he loved. For him, all were welcome, but no matter the hunt, Dan loved to show people how to be in the woods, as a true conservationist; looking for signs of wildlife, identifying trees and various plants and always hoping to find a morel or two. He also enjoyed looking for old coins, watching the Badgers and Packers play, spending time in his shop, playing with his dog Abbee, and going on outings – which usually included dinner and a show or traveling the country, with his companion, Pat.

Most of all, he cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren, and any family gathering, including the years spent hosting the ever-growing Reis family Christmas. The bonds passed down from his parents to him meant all were welcome at the table. While he loved being with his children, he knew one of the most important things he could do was to allow them to chase after the dreams they each had. If you asked anyone, he was most proud of the people they have become.

Dan will forever be remembered by his children: Stacy (Eric) Marquardt, Matthew Reis, and Scott (Casey) Reis; his grandchildren: Delaney Reis, Cooper Reis, and Maeve Reis; his companion, Pat Williams; and his siblings: Angela (Robert) Kondrasuk, Jane Reis, Teresa (Richard) Swiggum, Donna (Leo) Beskar, Joseph (Kerry) Reis, Lucy (Donald) Nellessen, Mary (Larry) Hanson, and many nieces and nephews. He now enters the greatest outdoors – Heaven – where he was warmly greeted by his parents, Herman and Virginia Reis; his youngest brother, Dean Reis; and his nephew, Mitchell Reis.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Daniel Reis will be held at 11:00AM Tuesday, March 18th at St. Mary’s Big River Catholic Church, W10137 570th Ave, River Falls, WI 54022. Visitation will only be on Monday, March 17th from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Ellsworth. Interment will take place at a later date. There will be a time for more fellowship and stories at a luncheon immediately following the mass at The Ridgetop where all are welcome. Memorials will be used to continue Dan’s lifelong passion for educating others on conservation and sustainability.

Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. For further details, please see www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com, or call 715-425-5644.