George Alois Reiser

George Alois Reiser, most affectionately known to his immediate family as “Papa” joined the love of his life, Jean “Nana” in their eternal resting place on August 31, 2018. Papa is survived by his children Kim (Nick) Dingmann, Kevin (Kara) and Karla, grandchildren Matthew Dingmann, Elizabeth (Marc) Granrud and Neal (Ashley) Dingmann, Kyle (Greta) Johnson, Alexia Gilbertson and Derek Reiser and great-grandchildren Mackinsey and Gavyn Dingmann and Eleanor Granrud. Brothers, William (Mary Lou) and Larry (Dorothy) Sister, Rita Jubert.
 
Papa is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Jean, his parents William and Eleanor and brother Gerald. Papa made the best decision of his life on April 16, 1955 and married Beverly Jean Courtney setting the course for the most amazing of lives. Papa and Nana spent time around Long Lake, MN raising their children, at their lake home on Big Elk Lake, moving to Albertville, MN to be close to family and finally moving to Mesa, AZ to spend their winters.
 
While on Big Elk Lake, Papa and Nana hosted family for ice fishing, skating, Easters and every event under the
sun. It’s where many of us first learned to fish, skate and swim. While in Albertville, Papa and Nana had the
opportunity to babysit their grandchildren daily, host slumber parties, make special trips to McDonalds and give
their grandchildren access to the internet before they got home computers (Nana was one of the most tech-
saavy ladies we knew). Nana also allowed the grandchildren to climb trees as long as the leaves knocked
down were picked up before Papa got home from work. It was also in Albertville that Papa and Nana’s
grandchildren got a taste of Nana’s ceramics and Papa’s ability to pack their minivan with ceramics before
travelling to craft fairs. There were many trips to Grand Rapids, MN to visit Papa’s brother Jerry and his wife
Janice and attend Tall Timber Days.
 
Finally, in Mesa, Papa and Nana continued to host family as they sought refuge from Minnesota winters. Trips
to Mesa weren’t complete unless there were trips to Organ-Stop Pizza, many games of bingo at the clubhouse,
games of shuffleboard and pool, trips to the flea market and even drives out to Tortilla Flats. While in Mesa,
Papa joined his “55+ active living community,” Palmas Del Sol’s, softball team and it’s all he could talk about.
He lived not only for game day, but for practice. He also loved spending time by the pool and telling everyone
back in Minnesota about the weather and what temperature it was that particular day.
 
Papa retired from Scherer Brothers Lumber, Company where he worked with his son, son-in-law and other
friends and family. There was nothing more important to Papa than his family. He received many, many
requests for his cooking, particularly his soups – Minestrone and Split Pea. Papa was also a Vikings fan, which
as all Minnesotan’s know is a frustrating endeavor, but he cheered and complained with pride.
 
After losing his wife in 2012, Papa spent even more time with his family. Going up north to fish with Kevin, Kara
and Derek, cruising to Ellsworth, WI to visit Karla and Lexi and would spend many weekend nights in Buffalo,
MN with Nick and Kim having bonfires. One such night in Buffalo, while Papa was meeting his future son- in-
law, a series of events led him to leap over a bonfire in which everyone there followed suit. Papa also loved to
facetime. He could answer more quickly than any young person I’ve met. He particularly enjoyed facetiming
with his “my little bit” great-grand daughter, Eleanor. They enjoyed talking about what they had to eat for dinner
and nap time. Papa led a well-rounded, love-filled life. There were lots of family events and trips, quite a few
shenanigans and lots of lessons learned from his years of living life.
 
Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM,  Monday September 17, with visitation 1 hour prior to service at Holy Name
of Jesus Catholic Church 155 County road 24, Wayzata. Interment church cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Alois Reiser, please visit our floral store.