Emily L. Reab

Emily L. Reab, 84, Appleton, passed away on March 21, 2023, at Prairie Home Elder Services, Menasha after a long courageous battle with Parkinson. She was born on April 14, 1938, in Mason City, IA the daughter of the late Andrew and Goldie Paulson.
Emily graduated from Mason City high school where she became acquainted with, and tutored, a fellow student named William "Bill" Reab. After graduation, Bill and Emily were married in Mason City, IA on June 11, 1957, and spent 53 years side by side until Bill's death in 2010.
After marriage, Emily and Bill moved to Waterloo IA, where they owned and operated a Standard Oil gas station. Their family grew with the addition of two sons, Steven in 1962 and Andrew in 1965. Then, in 1967, they moved to Appleton where Bill ran his own auto repair business and Emily cared for their two boys. She was the world's best mom playing care giver, chauffer, disciplinarian, coach, and mentor to her two boys for 20 years. She was always pushing her boys to be independent, but instilling in them the feeling she was always there should they need her. In 1982 after the boys were grown, Emily started exercising, lost 80 pounds, and returned to the work force. She worked for Fulfillment Specialist (Banta) for 25 plus years, working fulltime until retiring at age 75. She loved the people she worked with and cared way too much about doing the best job she could. One of the many amazing traits she possessed. After retirement Emily enjoyed time with her family, taking a few trips to Canada and Florida and back home to Iowa. She also took care of her beloved kitty cat, Polly.
Emily is survived by her sons; Steven Reab, Menasha, Andrew (Debby McLaughlin) Reab, Appleton; Grandchildren: Erick Reab and Fiancé Erin Vertin, Buchanan and Emme (Reab) and Manny Johnson, Little Chute, Step Grandchildren Laura and Dave Drawneck, Angela and Jerry Stueber; Her great-grandchildren: Kambriah Reab and Manny (JJ) Johnson. Step Great Grandchildren Jesse, Dustyn, Kassi, & Brady.
Emily was preceded in death by her loving husband Bill, her parents Andrew and Goldie, her brother Robert Paulson, and sister Helen Halsne and daughter-in-law Peggy Reab.
Mom, you are very loved and you will be very missed. We, your family, thank you for all your sacrifices through the years, and know that you're going to find peace and happiness once again. Say hi to Dad for us, when you see him again. Love you always!
Lastly, the family would like to express their sincerest appreciation to the staff at Prairie Homes for the great care they gave to our mother over the past years. And to St. Croix hospice for the exceptional cares over this last month. A memorial service for Emily will be held at BRETTSCHNEIDER TRETTIN NICKEL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 606 N Oneida Street, Appleton on Saturday March 25th with visitation starting at 10am followed by the funeral at noon and a luncheon to follow.