Harold John Reif

Harold J. “Hod” Reif, age 90, of Beaver Dam, died on Sunday, June 16, 2013 with his daughter by his side at Charleston House Memory Care.

The visitation will be at Annunciation Catholic Church in Fox Lake on Friday, June 21, 2013 from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM. The John E. Miller American Legion Post #146 will have a walk through at 10:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at the church on Friday at 11:00 AM with Fr. Michael Wild officiating. Burial will be at St. Patrick”s Cemetery in Beaver Dam with military honors provided by the American Legion Post #146.

Harold John Reif was born on February 25, 1923 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin to Richard and Mary (Hable) Reif. He attended St. Vincent School and was a 1941 graduate of Oshkosh High School. Harold entered the United States Army Air Force on February 5, 1943 during World War II. On March 6, 1946, Harold was honorably discharged from the military, receiving a Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European, African, and Middle Eastern Theater ribbon, one Bronze Battle Star, three Overseas Bars, one Service Stripe and a Good Conduct Medal. He started his career as an apprentice, and then became a Master Glazier at T.C. Esser in Oshkosh. On April 29, 1950 he was united in marriage with Virginia Nelezen at St. Mary”s Catholic Church in Oshkosh. On April 1, 1952, they opened their business, Beaver Dam Paint and Glass, at 209 Front St. They later moved the business to 137 Front St. and in 1974, re-located to the current location of 112 S. Center Street.

Harold was an avid bowler, softball player and golfer. He enjoyed traveling, especially to Las Vegas, and gambling. Harold was a member of several organizations which included the Elks, Eagles, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, and American Legion Post #146. Harold was also on the planning commission for the city of Beaver Dam for a number of years. He was a former Rotarian Past President, received the Paul Harris award, and a Toast Master. Harold enjoyed his morning ritual of meeting the guys for coffee.

Harold is survived by his daughter, Karen (Jim) Reif-Miller of Beaver Dam; sister-in-law, Joan Nelezen of Minnetonka, MN; nieces and nephews, Carlene (Doug) Flaherty of Neenah, Judy (Pat Schabo) Weigman of Appleton, Christine (Kevin) Kline of Mechanicsburg, PA, Jane (John) Tomkins of Coeur d”Alene, ID, Lisa Nelezen of Minnetonka, MN, Vicki Nelezen of Oshkosh, Sally (Tim) Redding of Minnetonka, MN, Mark (Cindy) Nelezen of Oshkosh, Richard (Joan) Weigman of Katy, TX, and Jim (Kathy) Weigman of Appleton; numerous great nieces and nephews, other relatives and special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Virginia in 2011; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bernard and Mabel Nelezen; siblings, Leonard (Angie), Dorothy (Jim) Weigman, Richard, Norbert, Donald, Joseph, and Margaret; brothers-in-law, Victor Nelezen, Clarendon Nelezen; sister-in-law, Marion Nelezen; other special relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank Charles and Gail Fakes, Jill Fakes and Shawn Herbst, and the staff at Charleston House for their care that was given to Harold over the years. Also thank you to Hillside Hospice, especially Deb and Jessie, for their exceptional care.

If desired, memorial may be made in Harold J. Reif”s name to The American Heart Association or to the Dodge County Humane Society.

The Murray Funeral Home, 131 East Maple Avenue in Beaver Dam, is caring for the family. To leave condolences, for directions, or for other information, please visit our website at www.MurrayFH.com.

Visitation Details

Friday, June 21st, 2013, 9:00am – 10:45am, Annunciation Catholic Church-Fox Lake

Service Details

Friday, June 21st, 2013, 11:00am, Annunciation Catholic Church-Fox Lake

Interment Details

St. Patrick’s Cemetery-Beaver Dam