Obituary of G. Wallis "Wally" Reed
A visitation and celebration of life for G. Wallis “Wally” Reed, 82 of Spirit Lake, IA will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 2:30-5:30 at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. A private family burial will take place at Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery in Fairmont, MN. Wally passed away at his residence in Spirit Lake on January 6, 2023.
Wally was born February 26, 1940 in Fairmont, MN to Glenn and Lura (Ross) Reed. He graduated from Fairmont High School in 1958 and attended Drake University where he studied retail management and received his bachelor’s degree. After graduation, Wally started working for the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Des Moines, IA. On June 24, 1961 Wally married the love of his life, Mary U’Ren at the United Methodist Church in Fairmont, MN. From their union they had two children, Scott and Marylee. In 1965, he returned to Fairmont to work with his father at Glenn Reed Tire Company, where he became the owner and worked until his retirement in 1990. Leading up to his retirement Wally and Mary started the Spirit Lake Antique Mall with friends Norm and Nelda Meinking. In 1991, Wally and Mary purchased a cottage on Big Spirit Lake that is still a cherished family vacation spot. In 1999 they became year-round residents of Spirit Lake and truly enjoyed all the Iowa Great Lakes has to offer.
Wally was a member of Chain Lake Masonic Lodge #64 where he was a 50-year member and a Master Mason. He was a member of the Zuhrah Shrine and Fairmont Commandery and served for a time as captain of the Fairmont Area Shrine Cycle Patrol. Wally was a member of the Fairmont Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow; as well as being integral to the foundation and preservation of the Fairmont Trap Club, Chain of Lakes Yacht Club and Fairmont Opera House. He was a lifetime member of the Martin County Historical Society, a sponsor member of the Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever Chapters in Martin County as well as supported the Martin County Conservation Club and Fox Lake Conservation League. Fairmont always held a special place in Wally’s heart; he continued to support many organizations in Martin County even after they moved. In Spirit Lake, he supported the Save the Park and Sustain the Park campaigns, Spirit Lake Protective Association, Dickinson County Trails and Spirit Lake Music Boosters. Wally enjoyed coin collecting, classic cars, ice fishing, antiques, trips to the casino and spending time with family and his many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Marlyse (David) Stanley. Wally is survived by his wife Mary, son Scott (Erin) Reed, his daughter Marylee Reed (Derek Tugel), grandsons Lance and Evan Reed; brother-in-law Jim (Dee) Noah, sister-in-law Susan (Joe) Franjione as well as nieces Lisa Stapleton (Glenn Hausenfluke), Jennifer (Matt) Dooley, Jill (Che) Franjione Holt and many special friends.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to his family for distribution to Wally’s favorite charities and organizations. Wally’s family wishes to express our gratitude to those that cared for him and the acts of kindness shown to us in our time of sorrow.