Clair Edward Reiling Obituary (1913 - 2010)

Clair Edward Reiling was born March 21, 1913, at Port Byron, Illinois, the son of Henry and Lydia Ashdown Reiling. His elementary school years were spent at Coe Township School and he graduated with the Hillsdale High School class of 1931. On September 4, 1940, Clair was united in marriage to Ruth Louise Hines at Aledo, Illinois. To this union were born four children: Larry, Kaye, Calvin, and Randy. The family farmed near Port Byron until 1950, moved to an Aledo farm, and finally moved, in 1955 to their family farm north of Winthrop. In 1976, they retired from farming, and moved into Winthrop. Over the years, they enjoyed camping with the Good Sams Camping Club as well as wintering in Texas. Ruth entered into her eternal rest on November 9, 1984. On October 5, 1985, Clair married Lorraine Peck at the Church of Christ United in Winthrop. They enjoyed their retirement years, living in Winthrop and wintering in Texas, until Lorraine died on October 3, 2003. Two years later, in 2005, Clair moved to Oak View Retirement Community in Independence, Iowa. Farming was Clair's lifelong occupation as well as raising pork. He was involved with the Buchanan County Pork Producers, the 4-H Extension Council, and Farm Bureau. A member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Lamont, he had been a Sunday School teacher and served on many committees, including chairman of the Finance Committee. He was a member of two different school boards, when three neighboring rural communities consolidated into Coe Township School and Starmont Community School. Clair enjoyed playing horseshoes, dominoes, and cards (especially with the Goodwill Sunday School Club) and also was known for his delicious homemade ice cream. His commitment in life was to give loving care to others. He remained mentally and physically active until a recent fall. Clair Reiling entered into his eternal rest on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, at the age of 97 years. Preceding him in death were his parents; his two wives; two brothers: Harold and Vernon; and his two sisters: Lyla Carter and Birdie Johnson. Survivors include his three sons: Larry (Dorothy) Reiling of Hawkeye; Calvin (Carolyn) Reiling of Lisbon; and Randy (Latha) Reiling of Winthrop; his daughter Kaye (Jon) Downer of Lamont; his step children: Glen (Marilyn) Peck of Winthrop; and Connie (Buzz) Oliphant of Rowley; twelve grandchildren: Bryan (Julie) Reiling of Lincoln, NE; Brenda Reiling of Springfield, IL; Lisa (Keith) Douglas of Kasson, MN; Greg (Katy) Downer of Lamont; Steve (Heather) Reiling of Aurora; Jill (Alan) Paul of Ankeny; Mark (Katie) Reiling of Cedar Rapids; Mike (Malissa) Reiling of Lisbon; Kevin Reiling of Cedar Rapids; Jeremy (Holly) Reiling of Winthrop; Jenni (J.D.) Meyers of Humboldt; and Kelsey (fiance, Ryan Burke) Reiling of Winthrop; fifteen great grandchildren: Laura, Colton, Jacob, Hailey, Nolan, Jonah, Henry, and Claire Reiling; Lauren and Erica Paul; Jack and Ava Grace Meyers; and Austin, Dakotah, and Carter Downer; and many other relatives and special friends. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, September 17, 2010 at the Grace United Methodist Church in Lamont. Pastor Dean Schlitter will officiate and Dr. Don and Anita Bowden will provide the music. Clair's twelve grandchildren will be his casket bearers. Visitation will be from 3:30 P.M. until 8 P.M. Thursday, September 16, 2010 at Fawcett Funeral Home in Winthrop and after 10 AM Friday at the Church. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery at Winthrop. A Memorial Fund has been established. The Fawcett Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Winthrop assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.fawcettsfuneralhome.com.