Reese, Earl E. - 1918-2011

DIX, REESE, VANELSEN

Posted By: Polk volunteer
Date: 10/31/2024 at 13:46:09

Earl Reese, 93, passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines. Graveside services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, October 21, 2011 at Resthaven Cemetery, 801-19th St. in West Des Moines.
Earl was born in Lancaster, MN on March 15, 1918. He grew up around the Baudette, Graceton, MN area. He was drafted into the Army Air Corps at the start of WW II. He served as a waist gunner on a B-17 with the 351st Air Group in England. He flew the required number of missions earning the Distinguished Flying Cross plus several other medals. Earl volunteered to stay with his squadron as an instructor until the end of the war.
Earl worked for Bookey Pack and retired from Swift Packing Co. He worked at his own business until he was in his nineties.
Earl was outgoing, quick with a joke and generous to a fault. He would go out of his way to help anyone who needed him. His many friends and associates will miss his gifts of candy and whiskey every Christmas. Earl's family will miss him profoundly. Earl was preceded by his wife Florence.
He is survived by his sons: Bill (Donna), Sandon (Sheri) and daughter, Cheryl (Ron VanElsen); eight grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren and one sister, Violet Dix.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer's Association.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Thursday, October 20, 2011, page 7B