Denis Hugo Reicks

Denis Hugo Reicks, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed on at his home in Cresco, IA on August 3rd.  Denis found great joy in his family and friends and was surrounded by their love, care, humor, stories, songs, and cheerful noise until the end. 

  Denis was born to James and Eleanor (Busche) Reicks on July 21, 1931 at their farm near St. Lucas, IA, graduating from St. Luke’s high school.  There he played baseball and found a love of history, making him unbeatable in the game of Trivial Pursuit. Denis served his country in the army as a radio communications operator in Japan during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he worked on the family farm and with Meyer Brothers road construction. 

 Denis enjoyed the music and dances at the Inwood Ballroom in Spillville, IA, where he met the love of his life when he asked Judy Wagner to dance. Denis and Judy were united in marriage on August 13th, 1960 at St. Wenceslaus Church in Spillville, with reception and (of course) dancing at the Inwood. During the first years of their marriage they farmed near Hawkeye, IA then purchased their own farm near Cresco in 1964, eventually transitioning the farm from dairy to pork production.  Together they worked hard to make the farm successful, with beautiful landscaping, and a large garden to provide for their growing family.

 Denis and Judy enjoyed themselves by going square dancing (with Denis sometimes acting as caller), playing cards with neighbors and friends, and attending their children’s, and later grandchildren’s, many activities and events, rarely missing any of them. Denis played in the local men’s softball league, always taking his kids to the Tastee Freez after the game.  He developed a love of golf and could be found most spring, summer, and fall Thursdays with his foursome at the Cresco Country Club. He was active in his community, as a member of the local Bank Board, Cresco Country Club Board, Pork Producers, and Notre Dame Circles of Faith, among others.

 Denis was an avid puzzler, never giving up on the challenging ones, and looked forward to weekly card games with his friends.  He continued to follow his nine granddaughters to their many sports games and events, insisting that he “wouldn’t miss it!” Wherever you went with Denis, he would find people to talk and laugh with and you’d likely learn something from his stories and vast knowledge and interest in the world.  His children and grandchildren admired his integrity and honesty, compassion and generosity that will guide them throughout their lives.

 Denis is survived by his six children: Wendy Bohr of Cresco, Dean (Lisa) Reicks of Cresco, Cindy Frana of Rochester, MN, Carla Reicks (Jeff Norman) of Missoula, MT, Brian Reicks of Cedar Rapids, and Aarin Reicks of Cresco; his nine granddaughters: Stephanie (Ben) Balik of Portland, OR, Sarah Frana (Kiflu Tesfaye) of Ridgeway, Vanessa (Gage) Luse and their son Emrick of Homer, NE, Kathleen Bohr of Waterloo, Candice Bohr (Aaron Ashbacher) of Calmar, Rachel (Nick) Rozendaal of Pella, IA, Aly, Ashley, and Hailey Reicks, all of Cresco; and his sisters: Edith Shindelar and Anita Imoehl, both of Decorah, Monica Brooks of Cedar Rapids, and Verna Chasey of Longville, MN.

 He is preceded in death by his wife Judy in 2000, parents, four brothers: Leo, Cyril, Loras, and Roger, and one sister: Arlene Bodensteiner.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Denis on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Cresco, Iowa, with Father Daniel Knipper officiating. A public visitation will be held at Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 5, and will continue one hour prior to mass on Saturday. Denis will be put to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Cresco following mass.

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