It is with both sadness and joy that we share with you the passing of our beloved brother, Dean Alexander Reis, who was welcomed to heaven the morning of Sunday, March 15, 2020. Born July 25, 1962, he was the youngest of nine children born to Herman and Virginia Reis of Prescott, Wisconsin. Dean faced many challenges in his life but proved to the rest of us what courage and humility were all about. He attended Prescott Public Schools for part of his early education and later attended a number of educational programs in Pierce County. He excelled beyond anyone’s expectations and was known for his keen sense of humor. In an apprenticeship program in 2009, Dean was awarded a trophy for outstanding performance and contributions to his workplace.

Dean will be remembered for his appreciation of and enthusiasm for life. Among his favorite activities were fishing, bowling, latch hook, playing pool, swimming, arts and crafts, dancing, traveling, and playing with a pet. Sources of joy to him were all the nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, treasuring the arrival of any new baby into the family. A gentler, kinder person would be a challenge to find. With his imagination full of wonder, he was a devotee of Jim Henson’s creations, the excitement of super heroes who, through fantasy, brought truth and justice to all, and the magic of the movie Wizard of Oz. As a self-made dancer, he loved the music of Neil Diamond, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and Elvis Presley, among others.

Dean is survived by this eight siblings: Dan Reis (Pat Williams, friend), Angela (Robert) Kondrasuk, Jane Reis, Teresa (Richard) Swiggum, Donna (Leo) Beskar, Joe (Kerry Althoff) Reis, Lucy (Don) Nellessen, and Mary (Larry) Hanson; twenty-one nieces and nephews; and twenty-eight great nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Virginia Reis, and his nephew, Mitchell Reis.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – Big River, River Falls, WI. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Because of the Coronavirus concern, the service will be private, intended for immediate family only. Anyone wishing to send condolences or memorials to Dean’s family, please address to: Family of Dean Alexander Reis, O’Connell-Benedict Funeral Home, 225 S. 3rd St., River Falls, WI 54022.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Funeral Home of River Falls (715) 425-5644. www.oconnellfuneralservices.com