Jack Richard Reed left his earthly body and went to heaven to be with his
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday February 2, 2014.
Jack was born June 7, 1928 to Frank and Amy (Dugan) Reed in Zemple,
Minnesota. He attended Deer River Schools.
He entered the US Army on July 12, 1946. His military occupation was heavy
machine gunner and he earned a parachutist badge from the 11th Airborne
Division. During this time he was in Occupied Japan, spending most of his time
in Okinawa. He was discharged December 19, 1947.
He reenlisted in the Army on November 4, 1948 and was a food service
apprentice stationed in Fort Bliss Texas. He was discharged December 6,
1949.
He met Anna Mae Benham, from Talmoon Minnesota; her parents were Harold and
Edith Benham. Jack and Ann were married on September 3, 1950 in Grand Rapids
Minnesota. Most of their married life they resided in Deer River and they were
blessed with six children.
He worked for almost 25 years at Blandin Paper Company in Grand Rapids,
retiring in 1990 at the age of 62.
In his earlier years Jack like to garden, fish and hunt. He had hobbies of
collecting and selling coins, pocket watches and anything old and interesting.
He and his wife loved flea marketing, he especially loved “the hunt.” He was a
member of the Deer River Bible Church and they were like a 2nd family to
him.
The most important life change for him was in 1973 when he gave his heart to
the Lord. He was a changed man, a bit radical at first, but became a very devout
follower of Christ and wanted to share his faith with everyone.
He spent the last 8 1/2 months of his life in the Homestead Nursing Home in
Deer River. He was well loved by many there and he came to accept his life there
and made many friends among the staff and the residents.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Amy Reed, his wife Anna Mae
and all 10 of his beloved siblings.
He will be sadly missed by his children Susan Reed of Duluth Minnesota, John
and Linda Reed, Cindy and Clarence Hart and Sandi Reed all of Deer River and
Jeff and Tammy Reed and Jason and Carol Reed of Cohasset, Minnesota, 10
grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren (with 2 on the way), many nieces and
nephews and many friends.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2014 in Carroll
Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 7, 2014
in Deer River Bible Chapel.
