Trending
Brian Joseph Reeder, 78, passed away July 24, 2022, at his home in Wadsworth, Ill., surrounded by family.
Brian was born in Lewistown, Pa., Sept. 23, 1943, to the late Joseph Andrew and Helen Louise (McCloskey) Reeder. He was the second youngest of nine children, seven preceding him in death. Brian graduated from Chief Logan High School where he played football and worked at Stewart's Restaurant.
Brian joined the U.S. Navy in Oct. 1963 as an Electrician's Mate. His first deployment was on the USS Lindenwald LSD-6. His active service career continued to five other LSD ships (amphibious warfare ships), 13 years of sea duty, three tours in Vietnam and the Bahrain War. Shore duty started by training Saudi troops on our ships in Little Creek, Va. and continued to Great Lakes, Ill. where he pushed three companies of young recruit sailors. Brian retired after 22 1/2 years from the U.S. Navy Feb. 28, 1986 as a Senior Chief selected for Master Chief. His commitment to our country continued with teaching at Great Lakes JOBS School for an additional 22 1/2 years as a civilian. Brian retired a second time in Sept. 2008.
Brian married the love of his life, Miranda (Khayat) Reeder, Nov. 24, 1974. Together they had three beautiful daughters, lived in 3 states, and built an amazing life together. He was dedicated to his country, family, and friends. Brian was a very generous man who never met a stranger. Everyone he met became a fast friend with a handshake and a drink. He was kind, loving and had a great sense of humor. His love of football and Penn State ran deep! The Cubs also held a special place in his heart, and he enjoyed watching them win the World Series.
His life of service and humor will forever be cherished and will live on through his loving wife, Miranda Reeder; three incredible girls, Michelle Hall, Melissa Messick, and Helena Kreul; three dedicated son-in-laws, Steve Hall, Jason Messick, and Adam Kreul; 12 amazing grandchildren, Aleksander Hall, Jordyn Hall, Dylan Hall, Zackary Hall, Darryk Hall and Riley Hall, Milena Messick and Jonah Messick, and Mia Kreul, Mariah Kreul, Keegan Kreul and Makayla Kreul. Brian will also be cherished by his sister, Linda Nichols of Lewistown, Pa. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A graveside service will begin at 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, at Birch Hill Cemetery, Eighth Ave., Burnham, with food and fellowship to follow at Parkview Church of the Brethren, 990 Parcheytown Road, Lewistown.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Brian's memory may be made to The American Legion, Gurnee Post 771, 749 Milwaukee Ave., Gurnee, IL 60031.
To view the livestream Illinois Funeral, please go to https://bit.ly/3PSL8kq