His list of accolades is honorable and lengthy, and the majority have connections to Belleville, the city he loved. He was delighted to own and operate Grimm and Gorly Florist for 45 years. He took great pleasure in providing floral services for over 3,000 weddings and funerals. There was also no more beautiful a lawn than the 6 acres he diligently cared for at his cherished “Whiteside Plantation”, where he entertained hundreds of people through the years.
Paul was a friend of the Poor Clares, president of Belleville Florists, co-founder of the Belleville “Wetbirds”, co-vice president of the Belleville Junior Chamber, lifetime member of the St. Elizabeth Auxiliary, Belleville Sister Cities, Belleville Knights of Columbus, and the Belleville Elks Lodge. He was a devout Catholic and member of Cathedral parish where he was also an usher.
Paul was a friend to many and a man who consistently put others needs before his own. To those who knew him and loved him, a huge void is left with his passing. You can be certain though, the flowers at the gates of Heaven have never been better cared for.
He was preceded in death by his parents, the Honorable Paul H. Reis, Sr. and Yolanda Isselhard.
Surviving are his daughter, Barb Renner of Belleville, IL;
his son, Donald (Cynthia) Reis of Ponte Vedra, FL;
beloved grandchildren, Lara (Eric) Dorner,
Paul (Kate) Renner,
Daniel and Sam Renner,
and Charles, Rachel, and Lana Reis;
great-grandchildren, Gwendolyn and Callahan Dorner;
a sister, Joan Davis;
and brother, Tom Reis.
One of Paul’s favorite sayings was: “Too soon oldt, too late schmart.”
Memorials may be made to the Poor Clare Monastery of Belleville. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family 4 to 8 P.M. Thursday, July 28, 2016, at George Renner and Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral procession will leave at 9:45 a.m. Friday, July 29, 2016, from George Renner and Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Nicholas Junker officiating. Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
Condolences Left For Paul Reis
It was an honor and privilege to work with Paul for many years. He was a gifted florist who worked at a time when florists were also artists. It is with a sad heart that I cannot attend any of the arrangements for Paul as we will be out of town for a family event. But he knows how much I love him and his crazy brother Tom. I know how much he loved his family and to all of you I extend my sincerest sympathy.
Mary K Richter, Lebanon, IL, 62293
Paul was my father Reis Lemings cousin. They had a great childhood together. When I graduated from highschool Paul sent me a turtle with plants in it, 40 years ago. I still have it. Sadly Paul memorial is the same day as my younger brothers who we lost last month. It’s a hard time for all our families. Much love and God Bless
Debra Leming-Ross, LaCenter, WA, 98629
Rest in peace Paul! Paul was so very kind and genuine. My sympathy and love go out to all his family at this difficult time.
~Carol
Carol Simmons-Green, Kalamazoo, MI, 49004
Dear Barb & Don, Tom & Joan
Just a short note to say how deeply saddened we are of Paul’s passing. He was an incredible friend to our entire family. My mother Margaret Pauley, currently age 97 and father Eugene (deceased) were both very close with Paul. They all had a lasting relationship that Mother cherished. Pat Prindable and I both worked as drivers for Grimm & Gorly in the mid-sixties. Coming to work after school each day for Paul, Dale Parks and Tom was a smile a minute. They kept the atmosphere at the “flower shop” quite entertaining to say the least.
In closing, I salute Paul Reis for the way he lived his life, loved and cared for his family and friends and gave of himself to countless other.
He was an incredible person that I will never forget.
Love always,
James Pauley & Family
James J Pauley, Belleville, IL, 62220
I am completely saddened by the loss of Paul Reis. He was one of the most selfless and accepting men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. When he moved in across the street from our house he immediately became one of the most influential people in our family’s life. Especially for my brother Vint. Their friendship was like no other. Paul always knew he could count on Vint and vice versa. Being across the street from such a lovely soul allowed us many opportunities for instant uplifting when we needed it. We swam in Paul’s lake, were invited to parties, and even held our own mini family reunion at his place for our family. Paul gave and gave to his family, friends, and the community without expecting anything in return. I remember him pulling out if his driveway in his big, blue convertible with that gorgeous silver hair of his and thinking what a handsome man he was! As all of us kids moved on with our lives and out of the house, we never forgot to send invitations to Paul for every event we held. He was family. As life happens, we age and get lonely. Fortunately for Paul and our dad, Joe, they developed a stronger friendship. One that made sure each other was safe and sound. They referred to each other as “The Lone Ranger” (Dad) and “Tonto” (Paul). When dad began getting Alzheimer’s, Paul would check on him daily. So here is to one of the most memorable men in our lives. Thank you, Paul, for the love, the laughter, the shoulder to cry on, and the memories. Your life lessons of accepting people for who they are, living life to the fullest, helping those who need it, and forgiving those who hurt us are embedded in the lives of all of us. Our family will miss you, but it is nice knowing you are free to drive through the streets of Heaven with the Lone Ranger as your co-pilot… “Hi Ho Silver Away!” Love, Annette
Annette Taylor Hoffeditz, Belleville, IL, 62220
Tom & Family
So sorry for the loss of Paul, he was a great person and a real pleasure to know. I always loved going to the flower shop to see the both of you & Paul, you were the clown & he tried to keep it together on the professional side, but then there were times you made him laugh. Then when he retired, I would run into him at Fischer’s where we would talk. But the one person he made an impression on was the hostess there and I proudly can call her my daughter Heather, she admired him, so did I. Looking forward to seeing him again and his floral shop in the heavens.
With Sincere Sympathy
Phyllis (Reed-Koderhandt)Scobbie, Belleville, Illinois, 62223