Howard Reed, Jr

Howard Reed Jr., 85 of Viroqua, died Wednesday, June 2, 2010. Howard Reed Jr., 85 of Viroqua, died Wednesday, June 2, 2010, in the Lighthouse at Bethany Riverside in La Crosse, WI. He was born September 23, 1924 in Racine, WI, to Howard and Mathe (Williams) Reed. The family moved to Vernon County where they farmed. Following high school, Howard enlisted and served in the Eighth Air Force and earned permanent Buck Sergeant Stripes while serving in England, where he met his bride, and later in Ireland as a hydraulic specialist working on aircraft during WWII. He was united in marriage to Florence "Peg" Taylor in St. Helens, England on February 24, 1945 and she joined him here in America on June 28, 1945. They made their first home on a farm near Genoa. They later moved to Viroqua. Howard was one of the founders of the VFW Post in Viroqua and was an active lifetime member. He was a farmer in the early years of their marriage and worked for the Farm Bureau in Viroqua until his retirement. After retirement, they spent the winters in Harlingen, Texas. They enjoyed camping, fishing and the pleasure of each others company. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Peg, on November 3, 2000. Howards kind and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Survivors include one daughter, Nancy (Michael) McGuire of Holmen; four sons, David (Christi) of Viroqua; Tony (Christine) of Genoa; Jeff (Mary) of North Pole, Alaska; and John (Janet) of Viroqua; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley (Victor) Swenson of Viroqua and Linda (Leroy) Kessler of Broadhead; two brothers, Paul (Helen) of Fort Atkinson and Clayton (Alice) of Beloit. Howard was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Michael and an infant brother and sister. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker Street, (Hwy. 56) in Viroqua. A prayer service will be held at 6:00 p.m. with The Rev. Lindsay Paul Jordan officiating. The family would like to thank all of the wonderful caring staff at the Lighthouse at Bethany Riverside in La Crosse for their tender, gentle caring. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.