Joseph J. “Jim” Reider, age 92 of Beaver Dam, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 15, 2017, in Randolph, Wisconsin. Joseph was born in the City of Beaver Dam, Dodge County, the son of Emil and Victoria (Yagodzinski) Reider. He graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1942 and was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served as a mechanic from 1943 to 1946, the last two years with an ordinance unit in Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.
After returning from the Army, he purchased an Indian Motorcycle and traveled to California and New York State to visit relatives. He met his wife through motorcycle friends, and not only rode, but also remained interested in motorcycles and mechanical things throughout his lifetime. Watching the Packers and Badgers, and especially the Brewers – were among her favorite activities in recent years.
On July 14, 1951, he was united in marriage to Anna “Ann” M. Hack, who preceded him in death in 2002 after a 51 year marriage.
Joseph worked as an auto mechanic at M & M Motors, and then a letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service in Beaver Dam for 27 years until his retirement in 1980. He later drove school bus, and in summer was employed at Green Giant Canning Company. He was a former member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Beaver Dam, and along with his wife – the Family Motor Coach Association. He enjoyed camping with his family, and later extensive RVing throughout the U.S. with Ann.
Joseph is survived by his dear friend, Donnallee Kuenzi, his three children, Christine (Larry) Kaup, Karen (Dan Wickersham) Reider, and James (Joyce) Reider; by three grandchildren, Erin (Douglas) Ennis, Michael (Terra) Reider, and Emilie (Michael Semmerling) Heidemann. He is further survived by five great-grand children, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Anna M. Reider, his parents, one brother, Stanley Reider, one sister, Helen Freitag, one brother-in-law, one sister-in-law, and several aunts and uncles.
A visitation will be held at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Rev. John Redetski officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Beaver Dam American Legion following the funeral at the funeral home. The Beaver Dam American Legion will meet at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home to pay their respects. Inurnment will take place at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Beaver Dam at a later date.
The family wishes to thank all Joseph’s care givers at the Continental Manor, Golden Living Center in Randolph, Wisconsin – along with his doctors and other health care professionals throughout his long life.
Memorials may be directed to Hillside Hospice in Beaver Dam.
Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com
