Robert W. Reif M.D.

Robert W. Reif M.D. obituary

Robert W. Reif M.D.

Robert Reif Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 9, 2011.
Reif, Robert W., MD Longtime WBL Physician US Army Veteran Age 89. Peacefully, on February 7, surrounded by his devoted family. Beloved husband, father, grandfather. Preceded in death by infant son, Mark; 2 brothers & 4 sisters. Survived by cherished wife of 60 years, Rita; children: Kathy (Bob) Anderson, David (Rita), Corie (Paul) Lindemann; Sally (Glenn) DelGiudice, Luci (Matt) Struck, Tony (Noelle); 21 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild on-the- way; brother, Dick (Barb); many relatives and friends. Former state legislator, national and state VFW Surgeon General, WWII (Timberwolves 104th Inv. Div.) & Korean War Veteran, Bronze Star Recipient, retired HealthEast vice president, family physician, pilot, Christmas tree farmer, rose gardener, passionate hockey fan, servant of the Lord; a humble man who would not like a long obituary listing his many accolades. Sorry Dad. Visitation 4-8 PM FRIDAY (2/11) at ST MARY OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., WBL. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM SATURDAY at the Church, with visitation one hour prior. Interment St. Mary's Cemetery. Many thanks to the caregivers at Waverly Gardens and HealthEast Hospice for their care and support. Memorials preferred to Reif Residency Scholarship Fund, C/O HealthEast Foundation, 1690 University Ave. W #250, St. Paul, MN 55104.

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July 10, 2011

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July 10, 2011

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July 10, 2011

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Representative Robert Reif

July 10, 2011

Dad in his roses - 1983

July 10, 2011

July 10, 2011

peter kappel

February 16, 2011

Kathy, I was so glad to get in contact with you, although so sorry to hear about Dr. Reif & his recent passing. I know he is in Heaven along side with his Angels. I will always remember the times growing up in White Bear Lake and when sick my parents would take me to see Dr. Reif. On behalf of my family (Marie, Kathy and Suzanne)we would like to send our prayers to you and your entire family in remembering Dr. Reif. God Bless, Peter & Connie Jean Kappel

Paul Culver

February 14, 2011

I remember getting my cheeks pinched every time I came over to the house, that's the first thing I thought of when I heard. That and the time he caught the manhole-sized snapping turtle in the backyard and took the time to show it to all the kids. Heartfelt condolences to the family.

Bob Reif

February 14, 2011

To say that he was my uncle doesn't even begin to tell the story...

Debbie Searles Clement

February 14, 2011

My sincere sympathy for the loss of Bob. As with so many, he was also my doctor. I can never go downtown White Bear Lake without looking at the location of his office and thinking about what a wonderful man he was. The kindest of doctor's! He brought me through many illnesses with great care and loving concern. While it has been many years since I've seen him, I have not forgotten him. May you all experience a sense of peace, realizing Dr. Reif was loved and admired by so many!

Courage Center

February 13, 2011

Please accept our condolences on the loss of Dr. Reif. Courage Center has lost a good friend. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Susan Daley

February 13, 2011

To Aunt Rita, cousins, and all family members we send our condolences. May you draw strength from your memories and may God comfort you. Love , Vern, Susan and all the Al Daley families

February 12, 2011

I have a memory as a four-year-old o Dr. Reif kneeling by my bed (yes, a house call), trying to get me to open my mouth so he could look at my sore throat. No dice. I have many other memories of his gentleness with me as a small child.

In reading his obituary, I can see that he was much more than the kind doctor I remember from 47 years ago. May the angels lead him into Paradise.

God bless you all.

With deepest sympathy,

Carol-Jean Boevers

February 12, 2011

I have a memory as a four-year-old o Dr. Reif kneeling by my bed (yes, a house call), trying to get me to open my mouth so he could look at my sore throat. No dice. I have many other memories of his gentleness with me as a small child.

In reading his obituary, I can see that he was much more than the kind doctor I remember from 47 years ago. May the angels lead him into Paradise.

God bless you all.

With deepest sympathy,

Robert Coad

February 11, 2011

Dear Mrs. Reif and family, On behalf of your former neighbors, Bobby, Cathy, Susie, Amy and Mary Claire Coad, we are so saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Reif. As children, I can remember us cutting through your side yard to get down to our dock. Everytime we'd see Dr. Reif out in the yard, he was always so pleasant. One of my personal favorite things about Dr. Reif was how he always treated us like little adults, vs. "children". I can only imagine what a wonderful husband, father and grandfather he was. On behalf of the Coad siblings, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May he rest in eternal peace. Love, Bobby, Cathy, Susie, Amy and Mary Claire.

Rose Smith

February 11, 2011

Hey Luci & Family, My love and prayers are with you all. God Bless!

February 11, 2011

Dear Aunt Rita, and all our Reif cousins, our deepest sympathy on Uncle Bob's passing. We treasure the times spent together for so many Thanksgivings, Easters, and Fourth of July picnics at your house, and even more than that, the wonderful sense of being part of a large and loving family, of which Bob was a pillar, for us, for his patients, and for the community. With you, we mourn his loss and celebrate his remarkable life. Our thoughts are with all of you. Sending affectionate regards, Mary Beth McGroarty and Pat Deegan (Flagstaff, AZ)

February 11, 2011

Dear Luci and Family,

Our sympathy on the loss of your father. I will always remember his kindness (and Rita's) and his great humor! I have many fond memories of being at your house during college and after, visiting with your parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Much love, Melanie and Dennis Gates and Joe and Almera Moses

National Timberwolf Association 104th Infantry Division

February 11, 2011

I will turn home at last once more
Knowing that a true soldier's rest
Once earned is sweet
His peace complete
Who gave until the last his best

Joe Henderson

February 10, 2011

Dear Reif family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I am happy to have had the chance to know such a good man.

Warm regards,

Joe Henderson (Terry's son)

February 10, 2011

Dear Rita and family,
We are sorry to receive the news of Dr. Reif's passing.......His gentle, kind spirit, warm smile and model of God's love and humor have touched many souls...... May the Peace of Christ be with you until you meet again.........
With love and blessings,
Peter and Joanne Hense-Honsa

Anna Lindau-Sparrow

February 10, 2011

Rest in peace Dr.Reif, you were a great family doctor to my family growing up. I didnt mind going to to see the doctor then !

February 10, 2011

David and Rita,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You'll be in my prayers
Liz Eggert

Karen Vadnais Hansen

February 10, 2011

Dear Reif Family,
I'll never forget Dr. Reif, he was a dear friend to my Mom and Dad and to our family. When I think of him, I think of kindness, a true gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. He will be greatly missed.

What a handsome man.

Katelyn Reif Anderson

February 10, 2011

I made a loaf of homemade Artisan bread and ate it with my roommates last night in honor of you. I know it was your favorite and I'm so glad you got to enjoy it as your last meal with us. Love you Papa! You will be missed. Till we meet again. Love your Kate-A-Lyn. xo

Rita Hoke

February 10, 2011

How is it that this face can be so familiar to me when I have not seen it in over 30 years? What an impact and lasting memory this man and your family has had on our family. My mother worked for Dr. Reif as a young nurse starting her family. Another wonderful person and fellow nurse who worked for him, Marge Jungwirth, is my God-mother. I was named after his wife, Rita. He delivered me as well as all of my siblings (save one). He and his wife were God-parents to my brother. Every memory I have was one of gentle kindness and caring. What a gift to the world, with a lasting legacy and example few can match.

Shelly Wood

February 10, 2011

Luci, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts & prayers.
Sincerely,

Jeanette Christensen

February 10, 2011

I am saddened by the loss of the wonderful father of my dearest friend Luci. I will never forget his warm smile that touched my heart over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Reif family. I share your grief and hope for God's comfort in the days and weeks to come.

Jerry Drewlo

February 10, 2011

I grew up in the White Bear Lake/Bald Eagle Lake area. Dr. Reif was my Doctor. The memories I have of growing up have almost always included "Dr. Reif". He had a special gift and used it with care and grace. Thank you, family, for sharing this special man.

Bob Reif - 1944

February 10, 2011

February 9, 2011

Kathy, So many fond memories of working for your dad. Marge Jungwirth and I often said, "We should be paying him to work here insead of him paying us." It was so nice to get your lovely Christmas message with the pictures of the family. Thank you for keeping in touch. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your mom and the rest of the family. Sincerely, Kathy and Bob Rortvedt

Ronnie Barbara & Justin Delgiudice

February 9, 2011

Just wanted to let you know how very sorry we are for your lost. Our Thoughts are with you and your family.. We love you Sally

Rachel Reif

February 9, 2011

You will always live in our hearts and prayers. You meant so much, and more to my father and our family.

Caitlin Del Giudice

February 9, 2011

I love you Papi. Thank you for always accepting me and being a great grandfather. You have created so many memories for me that i will always cherish. Whenever i look at a Christmas Tree with silver tinsel on it, i know you had a hand in that.
I am sorry that I wasn't there to say my goodbyes in person, but we both know that we had a great last memory together and said our goodbyes through our hearts with love.
We will all miss you more than you could possibly know, and i promise to have an spiced egg nog for you every Christmas just the way you like it!
Don't worry about us here, we will be ok, and look forward to the day we see you again.

Love you Papi, and thank you for all you have given us.
Love,
Cakes

February 9, 2011

I guess the Heavens were needing two Bright Stars on February 7th.
I so enjoyed your dad and always looked forward to our talks at my mom and dad's Christmas parties. He is a great soul. Joey Newcome Kartarik

Mike Newcome

February 9, 2011

I'm Very sorry for your loss. We also lost our dad on 2/7/2011. I guess they needed some good republicans in heaven this week.

Ethel and Chuck Shubat

February 9, 2011

I first met Bob around 1947 or 48, and
have fond memories from those days at UM Hospital. Happily,the freindship continued down through the years. I know that the Angels have been waiting his arrival! Chuck and I greive his passing,but celebrate having had him as a friend. So sorry we can't share this time with all of you. We will keep in touch. Ethel and Chuck

Ann Bunce

February 9, 2011

Kathy...My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Ann(Peaslee)Bunce

Lindsey Reif

February 9, 2011

With so many thoughts running through my mind and emotions in my heart, I remember most fondly the way Grandpa would always greet me. He'd yell "LindseyLou!!" - then grab my face with both hands and give me a big kiss. I look forward to being greeted the same way when I see him again...

Rest in peace, Grandpa. I love you so much.

Chris Keane

February 9, 2011

I worked with Dr. Bob at St. John's when he was the Medical Director and then the Director of Medical Education. He was always so kind and we enjoyed all the roses he would bring in. I've missed seeing him around here for the last couple of years, but have thought of him often. My sympathy goes out to his family.

Barbie Ryan

February 9, 2011

Dear Reif Family,

What a beautiful tribute to such an amazing man! I’ve been so blessed to have known “Uncle Bob” for 40 years, via my gratefulness to Sally-ola.“Uncle Bob” was one the greatest men I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. He leaves a huge legacy of kindness, warmth, sincerity, and forever giving to all he came in contact with.

His enormous love for “Aunt Rita” during their 60 year marriage, and his entire family was always first and foremost – for he has set the “bar” very high for everyone to follow. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

I love you all very much.

Kerry Svee Reif

February 9, 2011

There are few people you meet who, by their character and presence, make you want to be a better person. Bob, you were such a person. Thank you for being a second father to me. I will miss your stories, your gentle nature, and especially the way you would close your eyes, throw your head back and laugh with sheer joy.

After a marriage ends many other relationships are also cut off, but you and Rita continued to treat me as one of your own. When people would ask about the beautiful azaleas I had, they would inevitably be shocked when learning you gave them to me over lunch each year for my birthday.

Words can't express the gratitude I have for you and your family. I will always miss you, love you, and admire you.

PS - Thanks for Dave. He reminds me so much of you. You should be proud.

Kerry Reif

February 9, 2011

My memories of Uncle Bob are from my youth when he would bring his family to St. Cloud. I learned so much more about him from his obituary. He will be missed. My love and sympathy goes to my cousins and Aunt Rita.

February 9, 2011

God Bless him-All my memories of Bob and his family are good ones-He was a special guy. Tom Votel

Martha Kaltenbach

February 9, 2011

Our condolences on Uncle Bob's passing. Our hearts go out to you all. For all our sorrow, there is a great party in Heaven now ;O)
Tom and Marty Trotter

Julie King

February 9, 2011

To the family,I have known Robert for many years,as I worked at a pharmacy where he came to.The kindness man I ever knew,My sympathy to the family.

Michael Miser

February 9, 2011

Dr. Reif was always a wonderful friend and neighbor to our entire family, he will be missed. Our prayers and sympathies are with his family now.

Marlene Carr

February 9, 2011

Kathy & all the Anderson/Reif family -
What a sweet, sweet man. He will surely be missed by all who knew him. I read a comment sent to KK yesterday - when a treasure becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Your treasure chest overflows... We will all treasure our memories. My heart is with you all.
Marlene & all the Carr's

Ona Hanneman-Olsen

February 9, 2011

In my teens, I had a severe asthma attack and was admitted to the hospital. At that time, I was not expected to make it through the night and my regular doctor was not available. I remember waking, opening my eyes, and Dr. Reif was at the end of my bed, dressed in a tuxedo. He gave me a small smile, patted my leg and left the room. I have never forgotten his compassion, or the reassurance he gave me that everything was going to be fine. I am now 60 years old. My sincere sympathy for your loss, as well as for the great loss mankind has suffered.

At his HealthEast retirement 1992

Bob Reif

February 9, 2011

Lee and Beverly Troske

February 9, 2011

Our sincere sympathies to the Reif family. We are away from Waverly Gardens and just heard of Bob 's passing. He was truly "a man for all seasons". A wonderful neighbor, friend, golfing partner and confidant. We loved and respected the man and regret that we are unable to be there with the family at this time.

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