Gail Albert Reif, U.S. Army veteran, beloved family man, friend, passed on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, at 86 years old.
Gail, a resident of Woodland California, passed at Sunrise of Frederick assisted living, Frederick, Md., where he was attended by his granddaughter.
Born on Feb. 9,1930, in Hesston to Theodore and Anna (Lee) Reif, Gail is survived by daughter Kathryn English, granddaughter Korah Morez, brother Wayne Reif and sister Donna Reif.
He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Odd Fellows, Lions Club, AARP and delivered Meals on Wheels for two decades. In his youth, he worked his parents farmland in Hesston, and attended a one-room, rural schoolhouse by horse and carriage, through eighth grade. He got his first car as a freshman, allowing him to attend Newton High, where he graduated in 1948. Fond memories of his youth include delivering eggs in Newton on Saturdays, girl watching on Main Street from the hood of his Model A (his lifelong favorite car), woodworking, fishing, and western movies. His love of actor John Wayne inspired the naming of his younger brother, Wayne John Reif.
Gail served in the Artillery division of the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany, during the Korean War. He remained in active duty for four years after his return, during which time he served as an officer on the Newton police force from 1954-1959. He always said that his years on the railroad before the war were far more difficult than service in the Army or police. In later years, he loved sharing tales of how working the railroad gave him the strength to win carnival prizes effortlessly, impressing others, particularly women; and he loved to tell his favorite moment in the military, when he was pulled from a mud hole by a tank.
In December 1954, he married Angie Marie Ewy of Moundridge. After early married years as a salesman in the mobile home business, he and Angie followed a career in property management to many destinations, such as: California (La Jolla, Chula Vista, Vallejo, Escondido, Paradise, Davis, Woodland), and Kona, Hawaii. They enjoyed retirement in Colorado (Loveland) and Arkansas (Bella Vista), returning to California (Davis, Woodland) in the end.
Wherever Gail visited, he brightened the lives of all he met with his bright charm, jokes and love for adventure. He is fondly remembered by all of his family and friends nationwide, dearest to Sharon Reif, and of course his granddaughter and daughter for his tender-loving care and provision.
A memorial gathering for family and friends will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, at the Newton
VFW, 1610 S.E. Third St. All are welcome to attend.
Cremation will take place for burial services to be May 21, 2017, at The Old Green Cemetery, Tahlequah Okla., where Gail will be laid to rest next to his departed wife Angie. Inquire to the family for more details.
Memorials can be made to the VFW.
