Andrew Reis

Andrew Reis Saginaw, MI Passed away Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at his home at the age of 83 years. Andrew (Andreas) Reis was born on his family's farm in Aura in Sinngrund, Bavaria, Germany on October 20, 1929. He immigrated to the United States in 1954, aided by his uncles, Andrew and John and their wives. Andrew served in the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division, 1955 to 1956, and was honorably discharged. He returned to Saginaw after his service and worked as a carpenter/cabinet maker at Bronner Lumber Company in Frankenmuth and at Nodular Iron and Gray Iron Plants in Saginaw. Andrew met his wife Kale Ann Oberlin in 1957 and they were married on May 20, 1961. Their first home together was an apartment in the Hill House on Jefferson Street. Andrew was an avid fisherman and shared his interest with all 3 children. Kale Ann's uncle Jack Roth, got him "hooked". Many summer vacations were spent with his family fishing for walleye on Burt Lake. Andrew liked to stay busy and when he wasn't fishing he could be found in his basement workshop. The house often smelled of sawdust, as he was always making something for somebody. He enjoyed woodcarving and he even worked on the carousel at the Saginaw Children's Zoo. Andrew recently had a hard time getting around but he was still able to enjoy watching his grandchildren play and grow. He liked to tease them once in a while. He loved telling stories especially about the "Olden Days" in Germany. He was a member of St. Stephens Parish in Saginaw and the American Legion. He was loved and will be missed by many family and friends, especially his wife of 51 years, Kale Ann. His family and friends appreciated his exceptional ability to remain positive despite any adversity. He is survived by his wife Kale Ann; son John (Dana) Reis and their children David and Elizabeth; daughter Anne Reis and her friend Mike Bartos; daughter, Karen (Andrew) Eagle and their daughter, Kathleen "Katie"; sisters, Kuni (Franz) Naumann and Emmi Reis; sister-in-law, Lotte Reis; many nieces and nephews in Germany; cousins Agnes Grattop and Emma Doyle of Saginaw; life-long friends, Fred and Cathy Sullivan; and many other dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Franz and Anna (Klein) Reis; brothers, Eberhard and Hans; sisters, Johanna, Helene, Hanni, Maria (Willi), and Lisl (Karl). The family would like to thank Mike and Nancy Reis, Hans Albert, and Gerlinde Grohs for all their help and support. Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 16, 2013, at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn. Fr. James Heller will officiate with burial to follow in St. Andrew Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Friday at W.L. Case & Company 4480 Mackinaw Rd. from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. where the family will gather at 7:00 p.m. for a prayer service. Friends may also visit with the family on Saturday at church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephens, the American Diabetes Association, or to the American Heart Association. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Co. Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Rd.
Saginaw, MI 48603