Frederick John "Fred" Reins

Frederick John Reins (Fred), age 93, of Corcoran, MN died November 1, 2025 from a worn-out, much-used heart.

Fred was born on July 22, 1932, the middle child of Florence and John Reins in Kandiyohi, MN. He was very close to his siblings: Delores, Arlene, Vivian and Ardell. Fred is preceded in death by his parents, siblings (their spouses), granddaughter Chelsey Nielson, and sons-in-law Donald Conlin and Joseph Johnston. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 67 years Darlene Reins. Children: Mary Margaret Johnston, Theresa (Byron) Nielson, Kerri Conlin and Mitchell (Lori) Reins. Grandchildren: Kellie (Josh) Gode, Jared (Gretchen) Johnston, Janaya (Chris) Evenson, Kyle (Katie) Reins and Kate (Matt Anderson) Reins. Great-grandchildren: Braxton, Morgan, Haley, Jalayna, Grant, Jack, Graham, Kacen, Caydence and another boy on the way. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Fred and Darlene became Brooklyn Park homeowners in 1961. They raised their four children on Hartkopf Lane until moving to Corcoran in 1979 to fulfill their dream to own a hobby farm. There they had their beloved horses and a few other animals. Together they hosted many holiday parties in their pole barn with Fred manning the wood burning stove to keep everyone nice and warm. From a very young age and throughout his life Fred enjoyed all aspects of farming. He loved helping his neighbors. Put him in a tractor seat, and he would be out playing in the fields for hours.

Fred joined the Bricklayers Union in 1955 and was a skilled mason and bricklayer for nearly 40 years. In retirement, he attended monthly breakfasts with fellow masons until his death. Both his son and grandson followed in his footsteps, each becoming masons.

As a long time member of the Monticello Sportsman's Club, he enjoyed trapshooting and hunting, primarily bird hunting. His bird of choice, the pheasant. From October through December, the hunting seasons frequently determined when family gatherings would or would not take place.

Spending weekends at Lake Osakis and catching their limit of sunfish and crappies, was Fred and Darlene's ideal weekend. Together they drove to Alaska three times and introduced all kinds of fishing to their family (including halibut and salmon). They believed life was better on the water!

Fred and Darlene were dancers throughout their time together. They loved to polka, and their children loved to watch them dance. Waltz Across Texas was Fred's favorite song.

Driving was something Fred enjoyed, and his sense of direction was amazing. When he drove somewhere, he could remember every turn, then have the ability to tell others every detail. His great sense of direction was one of his superpowers.

Fred stayed on top of current events by reading the daily newspaper. Now that the TV was on all the time when he was as at home, what did he watch? Westerns. From morning till night Westerns were on the TV only taking short breaks when the Twins or Vikings were playing.

During the week, he joined in on daily card games, primarily at the American Legion. He enjoyed the local Shake-a-Day game. He was lucky at cards. When playing Euchre, he was often accused of having a few Jokers up his sleeve. When asked how he did it go at cards today, he most often said 'I think I came out a little ahead.'

Fred loved little children, and that they gravitated to him. Did it have anything to do with him looking like Santa in a cowboy hat? We cannot say. Fred simply loved people. He enjoyed being a silent observer. He was the quietest extrovert to ever walk the earth. He was well loved, loved well and is greatly missed.

Visitation will be Friday 11/7 at 5 pm to 7pm at Peterson Chapel, 300 Main St N, St. Michael, MN 55376. The funeral will be Saturday 11/8 at 11 am (visitation one hour prior) at Church of St Thomas the Apostle, 20000 Country Rd 10, Corcoran, MN.