January 13, 2020 – West Bend, WI –Jack Riess, 87, of West Bend was called home to be with our Lord on Friday, January 10, 2020.
Jack was born in Hartford, WI. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Patricia Riess (Endres) on August 18, 1956. Jack and Patricia celebrated their nuptials again on their 25th & 50th Wedding Anniversaries. Jack met Patricia on the day she was born, because Patricia’s grandmother used to daycare for Jack, and Jack happened to be at Patricia’s home in Hartford, WI on the day she was born.
Jack earned 2nd Lieutenant in ROTC and served in the Army’s National Guard and Reserves, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. He was in the Special Forces in Germany, and was a Pilot. Jack was an educator, teaching from a one room schoolhouse in Kohlsville, WI to retiring in 1992 from his teaching position at West Bend West High School.
Jack was a faithful servant of God, and was a member at Trinity Lutheran Church. He found delight in golfing, fishing, trap shooting and travel. Jack was elated to have been to all fifty states. He enjoyed traveling to Europe, and Hawaii the most, and was the inspiration to organize family reunions, as he loved being with his family. Jack was loved by many and his sense of humor was contagious. He was labeled the social butterfly.
Those Jack leaves behind to cherish his memory include three children, Jeanine (Mike) Hautzinger, Jack (Laura) Riess, and Jayne Endarries (Jason Farrar); five grandchildren, Brennen, Shelby, Nathan, Morgan, and Max; great-grandchild, Mia. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Riess (Endres); daughter, Joanne (Tom) Zmuda; grandson, David (Tiffany) Zmuda and other close relatives and friends.
Jack’s family extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at New Prospective, where Jack resided since 2013, and Horizon Homecare and Hospice, for the thoughtful, professional, compassionate support and loving care they all provided.
Myrhum Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Jack’s arrangements.
Burial with military honors will be at the Washington County Memorial Cemetery at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2020.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at New Prospective, 2130 Continental Drive, West Bend, WI on Friday, January 17, 2020 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Alzheimer’s, Cancer Society, or Heart Association is appreciated.
