Joe E. Reilly

Joseph “Joe” Edward Reilly, 85, of Tecumseh, passed away February 8, 2021 at the Journey House in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was born September 20, 1935 in Walthill, Nebraska, one of nine children of Fred and Mildred (Anderson) Reilly.

Joe received his education from the Gretna and Bratton Union school systems In 1955, Joe joined the United States Army, and did his basic training in Colorado Springs, CO. He served his nation and the Army as a mechanic, working on tanks, serving on bases in Maryland and Killeen, Texas. After being released from the Army in 1957, Joe transferred to the National Guard until his discharge in November of 1961. He returned home to Humboldt, Nebraska and worked at the farm implement dealer and also worked at his family’s café.

On September 27, 1959, Joe was united in marriage to Carolyn Garver in Auburn, Nebraska. To this union, two children were born. Joe and Carolyn lived in Humboldt two years before moving to Tecumseh.

After arriving in Tecumseh, Joe worked for Brinkman Brothers on the John Deere side of the business. When Brinkmans sold the John Deere side of the business, Joe continued to work for John Deere. Joe worked for John Deere for 44 years. After the John Deere dealership closed in Tecumseh, Joe went to work for Brinkmans again, this time as a mechanic for the GM car dealership. Joe also worked part-time at the bowling alley for 20 plus years. After Joe retired, he continued working part -time on people’s lawn mowers, snow blowers and garden tillers.

Joe was always very active. He bowled for many, many years, with different teams. In his younger days, he played basketball with and against local businessmen. Joe also loved fishing. Catfish was his fish of choice. His favorite times were when he took his grandchildren with him. One of the most memorable times was with Shelby when she caught one almost as big as she was. Joe often umpired many little league games. He, along with several members of the “old guard” of the Legion and VFW, were instrumental in creating and sustaining the baseball diamond currently located on Clay Street. During the years, they improved on what they began, and had achieved a ball diamond they, and the town took pride in. Because of their diligence in maintaining the ball field, the State Legion awarded Legion Post 2 with many District, Area and State baseball tournaments. In later years, Joe continued to have baseball in his blood, but became a spectator at Haymarket Park cheering on the Husker baseball team and watching college softball and baseball on television.

Joe was a member of Legion Post 2. During his time of serving the Legion, he held various offices and titles: Post Commander for two years, Adjutant for over twenty years, District Athletic Director, and Post Chaplain.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; his parents, Fred and Mildred; inlaws, Charlie and Helen Garver, brother, Frederick, sisters, Jean and Thelma, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Those left to mourn his passing are daughters, Debbie Reilly and Candy Laue of Tecumseh, his cherished grandchildren; Shelby Potter and her husband Craig of Rising City, and Kyle Laue of Tecumseh.

A Celebration of Life Service was held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska with Rev. Ken Tubbesing officiating. Special music included “Angels Among Us”, “Fishing In The Sky” and “America Wants You.” Honorary pallbearers were American Legion Post #2 members. Military honors were conducted by the American Legion Post #2. Memorials may go to the family’s choice. Inurnment will be in the Tecumseh Cemetery, Tecumseh, Nebraska at a later date. Services were entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.