David Lee Reisig

David Lee Reisig, age 89 died peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Dave was preceded in death
by his wife Joan Marie (Baumler) Reisig, brothers Edwin H and Ronald L Reisig. Dave is survived by sister
Linda Toomey, along with his six children: Cynthia Stevens, David K Reisig, Karen Seely, Elizabeth (Dane)
Relle, Eric (Lisa) Reisig, and Melissa (William) Sugihara. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren:
William Reisig, Robert Reisig, Christina Minich, Taylor Relle, David M Reisig, Kaylee Ownbey, Stephen
Reisig, Emily Sugihara, Olivia Sugihara and his two great grandchildren: Dahlia and Eleven.
Dave was born December 11, 1930 in Buffalo, NY, to Edwin H and Florence C (Wiedman) Reisig. He grew
up in the Buffalo area and his family was actively involved in the Buffalo Turners, a gymnastics club.
After graduating high school in 1949, Dave spent two years at Indiana University on a gymnastics
scholarship. In 1954, he graduated with a Bachelor of Education: Physical Education from the University
of Buffalo. While he was in college he also entered professional Boy Scouting in August 1953 in the
Buffalo Area Council. There he served as executive of three districts, was program director and business
manager for council camps.
Dave’s life changed when he met the love of his life, Joan Marie Baumler, at the “Hearts a Poppin”
Valentine’s dance at Kleinhans Music Hall, where he literally swept Joan off her feet. Dave and Joan
married May 10, 1958 and honeymooned at Letchworth State Park. The family moved to New Jersey
where Dave accepted a new Executive Boy Scout position at Stony Brook District and lived there for
three years before moving back to the Buffalo area where they spent 22 years raising their family of six
in Clarence Center, NY. Upon returning to Buffalo, Dave was employed by West Chemical, where he
began his sales career. The company was acquired by Rochester Midland (RMC) in the mid-70’s and
Dave spent the rest of his career in executive sales. Dave transferred to Chicago in 1985, retiring from
RMC, January 1, 1995.
Dave built their dream home – a beautiful log cabin in Woodstock, IL. During his retirement, he focused
and expanded on his woodworking skills and helped found the Woodstock Woodworkers Guild. Dave
loved to work in his basement shop and created many heirlooms for his children and grandchildren. Not
only would Dave build beautiful furniture, he was an all-around handyman building and fixing things,
and always whistling while he worked.
Many of you will remember Dave’s jovial soul that welcomed everyone with a greeting. He enjoyed
sipping the perfect Manhattan, playing cribbage “stealing points”, and singing German songs. He loved
to host bonfires, told stories of the Man in the Redwood Tree, sang “The Grand Old Duke of York”, and
he’d take you on a “Lion Hunt”. His favorite way to start a campfire was to bring down “Fire from
Heaven”. Dave was always prepared to raise his glass with a toast and many will continue the tradition
of “The Four Hinges of Friendship”.
Dave was a devoted Lutheran, Elder in the churches he attended, and raised his family to know the Lord.
Dave was very encouraging and cared for everyone he knew. He has left a lasting impression and made
an impact on all our lives and will truly be missed. A “Celebration of Life” service will be held Saturday,
August 8th, late afternoon at his son Eric’s home, in Ingleside, IL, where we will bring back all the
traditions Dave has taught us, raise a glass, and toast to his beautiful amazing life. In lieu of flowers,
donations will be accepted at Hospice Promise Foundation https://lhcgroup.com/foundation/