Paul D. Reding

1945 - 2024

Paul D. Reding
Born: August 31, 1945
Died: November 20, 2024
Paul D. Reding, 79, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, passed away on November 20, 2024. This strong man fought long and hard against Alzheimer's. Born August 31, 1945, in Ottawa, Illinois, Paul grew up in Marseilles, where he graduated high school in 1963. After serving in the U.S. Army, he returned to Marseilles to live and work for many years. Before he made Minnesota his permanent home, he also lived in Waukegan, Illinois, and New Port Richey, FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Mary Alice (Van Horn) Reding; brothers Jerrel and Melvin; brothers-in-law, Harold and Jim; and ex-wife, Linda (Enockson) Reding Townsend. Paul is survived by his daughter, Ann Dee; son, Collin Paul (Sophie); grandkids, Alyssa, Grace, Jarod, Wyatt, Jackson, Zoey; loving partner, John P. Krenz; sisters, Faithann and Kayla; brother, Dana (Vivian); sisters-in-law, Esther and Debbie; and many, many other family and friends.
Paul D, Paul Delicious, Pauly Walnutz... what a man! We've been told we should write a book of your life, Paul, but that would have to be a multi-novel series. To try to put everything you've ever done and everyone you've interacted with into an obituary simply won't work. So, we'll try (unlike your stories), to be short and sweet with single words. Son. Father. Brother. Uncle (Uncie). Grandfather (Papa). Husband. Friend. Rock. Confidant. Caregiver. Supporter. Neighbor. Firefighter. EMT. Veteran. Pilot. Nascar. School Bus Driver. Leader. Motorcycle. Motor Home. Traveler. Picky Eater. Irish. German. Stubborn. Adventurer. Twinkling Blue Eyes. Capturing Smile. Confident. Accomplished. Authentic. Empathetic. Passionate. Helpful. Kind. Dedicated. Sweetheart. Loyal. Grumpy. Thoughtful. Entertaining. Courageous. Generous. Loving. Charismatic. Resilient. A fighter. Strong. Bold. Unfiltered. Inspiring. Committed. Genuine. Direct (unless it's a story). Whitty. Vibrant. Warm hearted. Never knew a stranger for long. Fun. Larger than life. Self made. Someone you always wanted to be around. Volunteer. Water. Dog Lover. Prankster. Jumpy. Touchy. Mischievous. Cook. Party-er. Tanqueray. Kwiktrip Peanut Butter Bars. Story Teller. Most of all Paul: Role Model. You showed us how we all should aspire to live our lives. For the person and soul we SHOULD strive to be. For how life SHOULD be lived. We are all so proud of you, and so proud to have had you in our lives.
We want to CELEBRATE Paul, the huge life he lived, and the people he impacted and influenced in his 79 years. Please join us Saturday, August 30, 2025, 2:00-6:00 PM at American Legion Post 235, 571 Rutland Street, Marseilles, IL 61341. There will be moments of sharing throughout, along with possible Masonic Lodge and Marseilles Fire Department in attendance. What we want from you – BRING A STORY, a memory, a photo, or a great time you shared with Paul.
A celebration with military rites was previously held in St. Paul, Minnesota, on December 7, 2024. Aquamation rites accorded.
In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations can be made in Paul's honor to charities close to his heart:
Shriners Children's, lovetotherescue.org
Alzheimer's, act.alz.org
Open Arms of MN, www.openarmsmn.org
Human Rights Campaign, give.hrc.org
Moose - Heart of the Community, www.mooseintl.org
Marseilles Fire Department, www.cityofmarseilles.com/marseilles-fire-department
Marseilles Nursing Service, www.cityofmarseilles.com/marseilles-nursing-service
Edgemont Place, www.edgemontplacemc.com