Orval George Reed

Orval George Reed, age 90, of rural South Wayne, WI, passed away peacefully at Lafayette Hospital and Clinics in Darlington on the evening of Monday, September 15, 2025 with his family by his side.

He was born on February 1, 1935 on the family farm in Gratiot Township, the son of Lewis "Merrill" Reed and Martha (Reimer) Reed. Orval grew up on the farm and took over the farming of it at the age of 17 when his father became ill. He graduated from Gratiot High School in 1952. On June 5, 1960, he was united in marriage to Leona May Peterson at the East Wiota Lutheran Church. Together they farmed for 46 years. In addition to farming, Orval proudly owned and operated Orval Reed Implement for 38 years, retiring in 2014.

Orval lived a life of service, faith, hard work and served on several office seats of church and other organizations. He enjoyed playing cards (especially euchre), collecting antiques, putting together puzzles (in the later years) and would always talk to whoever wanted to share their time with him. Orval served his country in the Army reserves from 1954 to 1962 at which time he started their family building of 3 children. He was also a charter member of the Pecatonica Valley Antique Club and was well known for his avid passion for collecting Oliver tractors, machinery and farm equipment – including toy models of several of his past implements including his father in laws fully restored Ford Model 2N. Orval proudly co-organized and co-ran the Briggs-Reed Tractor Drive for many years that went from the Winslow, IL area to the Reed home farm where they stopped for lunch, and then headed back. After retiring from his dairy farming he still continued to help others with their field work up until this spring when his health started getting in the way. He would give his all to all. And if you were in his eyes sight you were loved.

He is survived by his two children – Rhonda (David) Werren of rural Argyle and Rodney (Christy) Reed of rural South Wayne; four grandchildren; Rachel (Matt) Jenson, Daniel Werren, Michael Werren and Kyle (Shanna) Reed; and ten great-grandchildren; Caleb Jenson, Callee (Kendall) Wild, Carrah Jenson, Wade and Gunnar Werren, Jeremy and Jasper Wild-Werren, Janell and Jaymie Werren and Jesse Reed. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merrill and Martha (1957, 1980), his wife Leona in 2021, his son, Robert in 2020 and his siblings, Margaret Wehinger (2005), Pauline Ferguson (2012), Lewis Reed (1948), Dwight Reed (1958) and Joyce Rufer (2025) and a nephew, Richard Wehinger (2025).

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 11:00 am at Martintown Community church (Lena Street and County M), with Pastor Kevin Cernek officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Warren, IL. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Erickson Funeral home in Argyle (801 E Milwaukee St, Argyle, WI 53504) and at 10:00 am on Wednesday at the church prior to service.

The family would like to extend a huge thank to EVERYONE who was ever involved with or cared for Orval as they are truly grateful and thankful for them. In Orval's eyes you were all amazing and loved.