Former Emmetsburg resident Ronald Charles Reeves passed on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021 at his home in Friendly Hills, Whittier, CA. His wife of 62 years, Kay Anderson Reeves, and sons Neil Reeves, Robert Reeves, daughter Kimberly Kay Reeves Brenneis and granddaughter, Makayla were present at his bedside.
Ron had been in fragile health the past few years and passed from infection.
He was the second born child to Kermit Earl Reeves and Rose Ardell (McQuown) Reeves, March 18, 1939. The family resided in rural Graettinger for years. Ron attended country school, Walnut #4 and then, the family moved to Riverdale, west of Emmetsburg in 1949.
Ron grew up working hard on the family farm and doing chores. He loved horses, cattle and riding rodeo. His quick wit and humor made him a joy and fun to be around. He joked about “barely graduating from High School” – but graduated from Emmetsburg High School class of 1957. Elvis was a favorite.
Ron married his beautiful wife, Kay and moved to California with their infant son, Neil. He was the successful owner of “Precision Honing Company.” He worked hard and steadily- owning the largest Precision Honing Company in Southern California. He retired in 2012.
Family was very important. He always walked family to the car upon their leaving. Always had a smile and big wave. He was comfortable in his pressed blue jeans, cowboy boots (size 9DD) and western jacket whether walking the barn or sitting at an LA Dodgers Fundraiser for needy children and talking with Orel Hershiser.
Family vacations to Iowa allowed him to enjoy his “Home Place” and other Iowa land. He loved walking to the river and the area he rode horseback while growing up. Golf and shooting trap were fun family activities and he and Kay often would “drive into the Southern California hills” and hike trails together.
He had great respect for the wisdom of elder friends and would visit easily about the days of old. Ron loved “wide open” country of Montana and purchased land tracts near the Missouri River. He said he wanted to have land where “I can look across the hills and never see the end of it.” His successes allowed him to fulfill his dreams of collecting Lincoln Continental Mark II cars and enjoying car shows.
He continued his love of family, ranch life, Western life style and America. He would give you the shirt off his back and as a friend, you were always welcome at his home. He had a humble demeanor and was a fine art sketcher. He cherished his granddaughters Makayla and Emma.
Left to cherish Ron’s memory are his wife, Kay Reeves; sons, Neil Reeves (Whittier, CA) and Robert Reeves (Hesperia, CA); granddaughter Emma of Rancho Cucomongo, CA; daughter Kimberly Kay Reeves Brenneis and granddaughter, Makayla (Laguna Beach, CA). He is survived by his siblings, Marcella Frevert (Dr. Bill) of Emmetsburg, K. Richard Reeves of Grayling, MI, Maureen Horsley (Joel) of Ruthven, Ben (Ginny) Reeves of Conesville, and sister-in-law, Mitzi Wagner of Spencer, and many other family and friends.
Preceding him were his parents, Kerm and Rose Reeves; in-laws Helen Sheely and Lyle Sheely; his brother Dugan Lee Reeves, sister Kathleen Reeves Pooler, brother-in-law Larry Pooler, sister-in-law Guity Reeves, brother-in-law Fritz Wagner, and many family and dear friends.
A small service was held Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 at Pacific View Memorial Park, Corona Del Mar, CA.
Sympathies may be sent to Kay Reeves and family, 8787 Via Linda Drive, Whittier, CA 90605.
Ron will be loved and long remembered.
