Dorothea Reis, age 100 of Early, IA, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake, IA. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early, IA. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early.
Dorothea June Reis, age 100, was born December 4th, 1925, in Toronto, Canada to Ernest Wesley Robinson and Olive Gertrude (Bittle) Robinson. She attended Toronto public schools followed by business school in 1943, after which, she worked for Bell Telephone in the Revenue office. In 1942, she met her future husband, Herb Reis, in Detroit while visiting an aunt there.
Herb entered the Army Air Corps in 1943 and was assigned overseas. Correspondence continued until the end of World War II when Herb returned to Detroit. June married Herb on December 29 th , 1945, in Early, Iowa. The couple lived in Detroit while Herb was employed at Continental Motors. In 1946, Herb’s mother, Mary Reis, encouraged the couple to move to Early and take ownership of a service station with brother, Paul Reis.
June found Early to her liking and never regretted the move. In Early, they found a stable place to raise their family, George, Tom and Doug. With three boys, there was never a dull moment. She was a talented seamstress making many of her own clothes as well as clothes for the boys. An excellent cook, she loved to make the best peanut brittle as well as many other family favorites. June was an active member of the Sacred Heart Church Guild. She was also active in the Early Woman’s Auxiliary. For several years, she managed an Annual Bridge Tournament in Early. She continued to play bridge throughout her life, hosting many bridge parties at her home. In later years, she developed a fondness for playing euchre; always
enthusiastic when she won, and a little less so when she lost. Her keen wit was not lost on her
boys!
After the boys were grown, June and Herb enjoyed many trips, visiting countries around the
world.
June moved from her home of many years on Walnut Street to Lake Point Villa in Storm Lake. Of course, she made numerous new friends and played cards regularly. She lived at the Villa until March 2026, when she moved to Methodist Manor.
June passed away peacefully on May 31 st , 2026, at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake, Iowa.
June has left many to mourn her passing, including her three sons and their families:George (Kathy), Tom (Heather) & Doug Reis. Grandchildren: Mark (Tina), Heidi (Chris), Justin (Nicole), Jason (Darci), Martin, Katie, Ben (Krista), Cindy (Phil). Great Grandchildren: Matthew, Andrew, Logan, Carson, Henry, Noirin, Emilia, Gabrielle, Wesley, Abigail, Jackson, Harper, Macie, Maddie, Meredith.
June was preceded in death by husband, Herb, sister, Shirley and daughter-in-law, Pam.