ALTA  VISTA - Cyril Reicks, 71, Alta Vista, died Saturday, April 22 at Finley Hospital in Dubuque as a result of injuries he received in an automobile accident.

Funeral services were 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 27 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Alta Vista with Rev. Roger R. Rethamel and Msgr. Leander Reicks con-celebrating. Organists were Sara Recker and Edna Reicks. Elizabeth Langkamp sang "Amazing Grace" and "You Are Near". Hymn selections by St. Bernard's Church Choir included "Be Not Afraid", "One Bread, One Body" and "How Great Thou Art". John Loes was lector and gift bearers were Kayla Reicks, Amy Paulus and Amber Paulus. Cyril's children placed the pall on the casket.

Burial was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Alta Vista with Tracy Reicks, Jon Paulus, Ryan Paulus, Darel Reicks, John O’Donnell and Roger Dieterich serving as casket bearers. The Knights of Columbus Council #4144 of Elma served as honorary casket bearers.

Visitation was from 3-8 p. m. Wednesday, April 26 at Conway Funeral Home in Elma, with a 4 p.m. Knights of Columbus Rosary and a 7 p.m. Scripture Service and one hour prior to services at the church.

Cyril James Reicks was born Dec. 27, 1928 near St. Lucas, the son of James and Eleanor (Bush) Reicks. He graduated from St. Luke's Catholic School in St. Lucas. After his schooling he farmed on the family farm. On April 10,1956, he was united in marriage with Florence O'Donnell at St. Bernard's Church in Alta Vista. After their marriage the couple resided on a farm near St. Lucas, then moved to a farm near Alta Vista where they were currently residing. Cyril retired from farming in his life, Cyril was also a part-time real estate agent. After his retirement the couple spent time traveling. He was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and was very active in the community. He enjoyed his family, sports and was an avid card player.

Surviving are his wife, Florence, Alta Vista; three daughters, Mary Jo (Paul) Rooney and Janice (Dennis) Westervelt, both of Dubuque, Judy (Roger) Paulus, Elma; three sons, Kevin (Margie) Reicks, Forest City, Lorin Reicks, Cedar Rapids, Jason (Jessie) Reicks, Rockford; 15 grandchildren; three brothers, Leo Reicks, Lawler, Denis H. (Judy) Reicks, Cresco, Loras Reicks, Waucoma; five sisters, Arlene (Leo) Bodensteiner, St. Lucas, Edith (Alvin) Shindelar, Fort Atkinson, Anita (Merlin) Imoehl, Postville, Monica Brooks and Verna (Al) Chacey, both of Cedar Rapids.

Preceding him in death were his parents; an infant son, Stephen; one brother, Roger Reicks.

Memorials may be directed to St. Bernard's Catholic

Source: New Hampton Tribune Apr. 28, 2000 from the Elma library collection assembled by Marian (Marr) McGee, Transcribed by ABBYY FineReader® 12, Adapted to the web by Bill Waters