John Reif

1923 - 2018

John G. Reif

Evansville, IN

John G. Reif, 95, of Evansville, passed away, Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at Pine Haven Nursing Home. He was born September 21, 1923 in Equality, IL to the late Thresa (Zilk) and Mitchell Reif.

John graduated from F. J. Reitz High School in 1941. He served in the Air Force from 1942 to 1945 in World War II as a Tech Sergeant Flight Engineer. John flew 30 missions over in enemy territory in the European Theatre. He earned a Distinguished Flying Cross Medal and an Air Medal. John work for Bristol Myers for 40 years as a Powerhouse Operator retiring in 1986. He taught refrigeration at the Mechanical Arts building in the old North High School for several years. John was a lifetime member of Riverbend and the VFW post 1114. He was also a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of St. John's Hilltop Grove. John enjoyed golfing, make two hole-in-ones at Howell Park Golf Course. He also enjoyed gardening, cigars, fishing, and taking care of his lawn.

John is survived by his sons, Stephen Reif of Evansville, Michael (Bonnie) Reif of Vancouver, WA, and Jerome Reif of Evansville; grandsons, Nathan (Lindsay) Reif, Adrian (Tammy) Reif, Richard Reif, and Robert Synder; great-granddaughter, Ellie Marie Reif; great-grandsons, Alex Reif, Zach Oliver and Stark Michael Synder.

John was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Juliana Wagner Reif; parents, Mitchell Reif and Theresa Reif; and sister, Lucille Bacon.

Visitation will be 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday, October 5, 2018, at Ziemer Funeral Home Central Chapel, 626 North First Avenue. Visitation will continue from 9:30 am to 10:00 am, Saturday, October 6, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2701 W Franklin St, Evansville, IN 47712, a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 am at the church, with Father John Brosmer, officiating.

Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, where the Retired Veterans will conduct Military Rites.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Marian Day School, 700 Herndon Dr, Evansville, IN 47711.

Condolences may be made online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com.