Edward Reiser

1931-02-26 - 2010-06-16

Edward (Ed) Joseph Reiser passed away June 16, 2010 at Gallatin County Rest Home surrounded by his family due to complications of pneumonia. Ed was born February 26, 1931 in Skidmore, TX to Edward and Ella (LeBlanc) Reiser. He lived in Skidmore and San Angelo, TX until moving to Montana to be with his mother who had married Joe Hoven in Lewistown. They lived on a dairy and wheat farm near Hobson, MT. He graduated from Hobson High School in 1948. That fall he began classes at Montana State College where he attended until enlisting in The Navy. He served a four year hitch during the Korean War and received an honorable discharge. Ed returned to Bozeman and MSC where he met and married Loretta Freda Clawson, the love of his life. After graduating with a degree in Industrial Arts, he worked at The Idaho Pole plant where he ran the "dip tank". Ed was employed by the Montana Highway Department for over 30 years working in Bozeman, Helena, Ennis, and Big Timber. He surveyed and engineered projects on Interstate 90, Interstate 15, US 287 and US 191 as well as on South 19th Ave. Many guardrails and other safety features on roads around Bozeman were added due to studies he completed. After retirement, Ed sold real estate in the Bozeman area. He especially enjoyed finding first homes for young families. As much at home outdoors as behind a desk, Ed loved to hunt, fish, bowl, boat, garden and "putter" in his shop. Camping with family was one of his favorite activities. He also enjoyed bird watching and playing bingo at The Senior Center. He kept his mind sharp by doing crossword, Sudoku, and other puzzles. Ed was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #1413, where he was an active participant of the Tootsie Roll Drive to assist developmentally challenged members of our community. He was also a proud member of The Big Timber American Legion Post, as well as Holy Rosary Catholic Parish where he ushered at Mass for many years. Ed was an adult leader for the Boy Scouts, serving troops in Ennis as well as Bozeman. He and Freda were members of The Bozeman Senior Center and delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters. He also recently lost Freda, his wife of 54 years. Survivors include his four children, Edward (Gail) Reiser and Virginia Self of Bozeman, Catherine Wright of Belgrade, and Raymond (Kim) Reiser of Missoula. Ed is also survived by his seven grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials in Ed's name may be made to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 301 Edelweiss Dr, Ste 5, Bozeman, MT 59718 or to the Bozeman Senior Center, 807 N Tracy, Bozeman, MT 59715. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Private family burial will take place at a later date.