"I was about 11 years old when I met Toby. I thought my cousin, Donna, had the most awesome boyfriend ever. At family gatherings I sat and listened to the wonderful and exciting stories of Donna's life dating Toby. They were the perfect couple, and I knew they would marry and have a good life together. Toby was a great guy, always teasing and having fun. He had that twinkle in his eye that was so endearing. It faded a bit at the end, but I know it is back now. God Bless you, Donna and family. Cousin Barb and Ron"
In loving memory of
Edison Reese
September 25, 1940 - March 1, 2018
Edison Tobias Reese, Jr. "Toby", 77, of Oronoco, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2018 at The Homestead in Rochester.
Toby was born September 25, 1940 in Rochester to Edison and Violet (Smith) Reese, Sr. He was a 1958 graduate of Rochester High School. On March 5, 1960, Toby married Donna Podolske at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester. He worked as a lineman and superintendent at the People's Co-op for 40 plus years. Along with working at the co-op, Toby also enjoyed farming. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Oronoco, the Oronoco Cemetery board, a lifetime member of the White Pines Sportsmen's Club and an officer of Grace Lutheran Church in Oronoco. Toby enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, especially to Hawaii, taking fishing trips and had a great interest in studying history, especially World War II. Toby had a great love and respect for the people he worked with over the years. He loved woodworking and tinkering around with mechanics. Toby and Donna enjoyed card club for 50 years, and spending time with friends. Toby was known for his witty sense of humor but also as a great listener. Above all, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Donna; children, Tammy (Tim) McCarty of Zumbro Falls, MN, Steve (Gloria) Reese of Oronoco, Peter (Laurie) Reese of Oronoco, David (Melissa) Reese of Fergus Falls, MN; grandchildren, Tanner and Ciara McCarty, Scott and Sean Marshall, Alisha Reese, Heather Tvedt, Jessica Steiner, Amanda Verney, Samuel, Benjamin and Andrew Reese; great-grandchildren, Landon Tvedt, Mackenzie Steiner; sister, Darleen Bennett of Rochester and brother-in-law, Larry "Butch" (Patty) Podolske of Hayward, WI. Toby was preceded in death by his parents, a special step-father and by his brother-in-law, Dick Bennett.
The family wishes to thank Seasons Hospice, The Mayo Clinic and the care providers at The Homestead for all their kind and compassionate care of Toby.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at Grace Lutheran Church, 45 1st Ave. NW, Oronoco, MN 55960. Visitation will be held 4:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. Rev. Ben Kempfert will be officiating with burial at Oronoco Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to, Seasons Hospice, 1696 Greenview Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902, Grace Lutheran Church in Oronoco or to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 12209, 800 E. 28th St. Minneapolis, MN 55407. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Donna and family. Toby was a great guy to have known. Bless you and your family at this time, RipToby Rollie and Bernie OGroske"
"Dear Donna and family members, You have my deepest sympathy. Bob enjoyed working with Toby over the years at church. Especially fun during gold rush. Toby was such a joker which always made it more fun! Those were really good times together with us all. May the peace of God be with you. Love Joanie Koenig"
"Donna, Thinking of you and your family with sympathy and prayers. Toby was such a great guy. He always had a smile on his face and was always glad to see you. You and Toby were always there to help us celebrate the special times in our family. Agnes always talked about how nice Toby was. You both are such caring people. With love and sympathy to you and your kids and grandkids. Love, Ron and Sheryl"
"Dear Donna, we have so many fond memories of Toby. 45 years of card club, several trips to Hawaii and Hayward, trip to Door County and bus trip to Deadwood, just to name a few, He will be missed by so many.friends. I (Char) will especially miss his humor and teasing. With love and sympathy, Dave and Char "
"Donna and Family, We are thinking of you and sending our sympathy. We know you have wonderful memories of Toby and of all your family time together. That is truly a blessing and a tribute to Toby , a good and kind gentleman. "