Lee A. Reif, Sr.

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BYRON  – Lee A. Reif, Sr., age 77, passed away at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017. He was born on Feb. 7, 1940 in Chicago, the son of Milo and Elma (Kline) Reif.
Lee married the love of his life; Elsie Anderka, on July 12, 1958, in Chicago. He worked and retired from Gates Rubber Company and was a past employee of the Byron School District. Lee was also a partner with his son Dan, at Danlee Wood Products in Forreston. He was a member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Byron. Lee was a loving husband. He showed this through many things including supporting his wife’s quilting by being her master cutter of quilt pieces and being by her side. He cherished their time together, and they wintered for 11 years at Reflections on Silver Lake in Avon Park, Fla. While he was there he enjoyed shuffleboard. In his spare time, he also enjoyed playing cards with his friends. Lee was also a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed travelling with his family and taking many trips with the grandchildren to Disney World.
Lee is survived by his wife, Elsie, of Byron; children, Lee “Skip” Jr. (Tami) Reif of McHenry, Judy (Craig) Mathers of Galena, Dan (Dawn) Reif of Apple Valley, Minn., and Tammy (Jeff) Carson of DeKalb; brother, Jim (Kit) Reif of Byron; grandchildren, Lauren Reif, Jordan Reif, Nicole Mathers, Jessica (Tyler) Stricker, Kyle (Alicia) Reif, TJ Reif, Noah Greenfield, Emma Greenfield, Lila Greenfield, Ally Lawler, Nathan Lawler, and Rachel Carson; great grandson, Jaxon Stricker; dear friends, Paul (Judy) Morgan and Tim (Peggy) Adams; and special puppy, Zoey.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his dog and close companion, Patti.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017 at All Saints Lutheran Church, Byron, with Pastor Janet Wold officiating. Visitation was held from 9-11 a.m. prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will follow the funeral service. Memorials are established for St. Judes, Serenity Hospice, or All Saints Lutheran Church. www.farrellhollandgale.com