Terrence “Terry” W. Reeder

Obituary's Biography:

Terrence “Terry” Walter Reeder, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, and loyal friend, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Terry was born June 20, 1953, in Racine, WI, to Alice and James Reeder. After living in Kenosha, WI, the family moved to Park Ridge, IL. He graduated from Maine South High School in 1971 and, later in life, proudly served on the Reunion Committee for many years. After a brief stint at the University of Illinois, he transferred to Taylor University, where he graduated with a double major in Business and Economics. He was a member of Taylor’s wrestling team and a proud resident of 3rd Morris. He and his wife of 47 years, Denise, also met at Taylor. Terry received his Master’s from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.

Terry and Denise were blessed with four children: Jim (Sara), Joe, Emily (Zach), and Ellen. Having lost his father at the age of 8, Terry diligently worked to provide a great childhood for his children. He loved helping them with school projects, helping with or watching them play sports or make music, and feeding them and their friends in countless get-togethers.  He also taught his children the value of volunteerism by going with Jim and Joe to Mexico to build houses for families in need through the youth group at South Park Church.  He deeply loved his grandchildren, Benjamin, Olivia, and Jaden, and enjoyed seeing their sporting events, building small projects with them, and just watching them play and have fun.

Terry loved people and was generous with both his money and his time. He devoted many hours to the Park Ridge Jaycees, the Lutheran General Men’s Association, and Boy Scout Troop 50. That love of people helped Terry excel throughout his career.  After founding and operating Reeder Landscaping, Terry spent 23 successful years in sales with ServiceMaster, in addition to having successful sales positions with other companies.

Terry loved sports, as a player and as a fan. He enjoyed playing football, wrestling, and playing 16″ softball. He was an avid Chicago sports fan, celebrating both the Cubs and White Sox World Series and loved the Fighting Irish. Terry and friends Jeff, Brian, and Vaughn took an annual fishing trip for over 45 years. That event eventually grew to include their sons. Sunrise Lodge on Lac Vieux Desert held a very special place in his heart for all the lifelong memories he made there with family and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the amazing staff of Rush University Medical Center, especially his comfort care nurses. Their excellent care brought comfort to Terry and his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and James, and his brother Tom. He is survived by his beloved wife, Denise; his children, Jim (Sara), Joe, Emily (Zach), and Ellen; his grandchildren, Benjamin, Olivia, and Jaden; his sister Carolyn and brother Dennis; and numerous extended relatives and friends.  Terry will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his warmth, humor, generosity, and the love he shared with all who knew him.

A memorial will be held at South Park Church in Park Ridge, IL, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, beginning at 1:00 pm with services at 2:00 pm. All arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or visit www.StrangFuneral.org.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Samaritan’s Purse, as Terry was dedicated to helping children and families in need.