Raymond LeRoy Reierson, 93, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on March 4, 2025, after a recent illness.
Born on June 18, 1931, in Forest City, IA, Ray spent the majority of his life in Des Moines. He was a proud member of the Lincoln High School class of 1949, where he excelled as a member of the basketball and swimming teams, as well as the men’s vocal quartet. After high school, Ray married his high school sweetheart, Joan Parsons, and together they enjoyed 63 years of marriage before Joan's passing in 2014.
Ray proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his service, he joined the Des Moines Fire Department before transitioning to a long and fulfilling career in the business machine service industry with M & M Sales Company, where he worked nearly 50 years.
Above all, Ray's most cherished role was that of a devoted and loving father to his son, Greg (Teri) and daughter, Julie Weida (Tim). He reveled in the joys of being a grandpa to five grandchildren and a great-grandpa to six great-grandchildren. Ray was a positive role model, always offering love, support, and guidance to his family.
Ray was known for his positive outlook on life, no matter the situation. His sense of humor and friendly nature made him a joy to be around. In his free time, Ray enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing cribbage with his siblings, tending to his yard, and cheering for his beloved Chicago Cubs. In his later years, he found joy in Wii bowling and doing word searches, always keeping an upbeat attitude.
Ray was preceded in death by his loving wife Joan, his second wife Doris (DeBolt) Reierson, his sister Betty Cochran, his brother Cliff Reierson, and his parents, Art and Lucille Reierson.
He is survived by his children, Greg Reierson (Teri) and Julie Weida (Tim); his sister, Helen Lyons; his sister-in-law, Corinne McGee; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the VA Hospital, the VA Home-Based Primary Care Team, and Suncrest Hospice for their exceptional care and support during Ray’s final days.
Visitation will be held at Sunset Memorial Chapel, 7601 Fleur Dr., Des Moines, IA. on Monday, March 10, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., the funeral will follow. The burial with military honors will take place in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Wesley-Dahl Adult Day, 3520 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 where Ray participated in their programs for nearly seven years.
