Carl E. Reid, 84, of Hiawatha, died early February 27, 2025 at Maple Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hiawatha.
Carl, the son of Lee Robert and Meryl Ruth Cantor, was born at the Horton Hospital, December 8, 1940. Carl lived with his parents and brother Paul, near Mercier where he attended Hickory Grove Country School. The family moved to Hiawatha in 1948 where Carl graduated from Hiawatha High School with class of 1961.
He joined the U.S. Army where he served in Germany and France from 1962 until 1965, the Vietnam era. Upon his return home, Carl started work at the Whiting Cheese Factory at Horton for 10 years until it closed prior to working at Monark Egg Plant in Hiawatha 11 years until it closed. He opened his own lawn and yard care business which at one time, was taking care of over 40 lawns. He also was a ‘handyman’ for his elderly cousins Dora Slavin and her sister Effie Edde Chapman at 301 S 6th St., Hiawatha, whom he ate dinner with for over 20 years. Carl was a devoted assistance caretaker for his cousin Dora in her home.
Carl was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Hiawatha. He was always ready and willing to serve when needed, especially in driving the Church taxi on Sundays. Carl in recent years had been attending the Eternal Hope Worship Center. He enjoyed working on mechanical items, solving puzzles, reading, volunteering, helping when needed, and chatting with friends on the phone.
Local survivors include a nephew Arthur Wenger (Martha), their son Tim and his family, with many other nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; half sister Mary Lee Kneisel, brother Paul Reid, half brothers: Clarence Reid, Jack Cantor, cousins Effie Chapman, Dora Slavin, and nephews: Howard Wenger, Vernon Wenger and niece Dian Wenger.
Services for Carl are planned for 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, with Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl officiating. Inurnment at a later date at Wheatland Cemetery, west of Horton.
Military honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.
Friends may sign the register book Tuesday and Wednesday morning at the funeral home. The family will meet with friends ½ hour prior to services.
