Russell E. Reel
December 01, 2013
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Service Details
Russell E. Reel, 89, died Sunday, December 1, 2013 at Rehab Center of Des Moines after complications of heart surgery. He was born August 2, 1924 to John and Edith Reel in Des Moines.
Russell graduated from North High School in 1943 and served in the Army during WWII. He married Veronica Miller on June 8, 1947.
Along with his high school friend, Albert Polito, Russell started the infamous La Pizza House which he owned and operated from 1952 to 2011.
Russell was active in bowling and softball for many years where his team won several championships. It was his love of softball that spirited the Softball Hall of Fame. Russell continued his support of softball over the years by sponsoring many teams.
Later in life, Russell took up golf and enjoyed playing with his life long friends. Never forget him as Santa on Christmas Eve.
Russell is survived by his daughter, Sandra Hohl (Jimmie Paterno); grandson, Joshua Hohl; sister, Carolyn Buttz; half-sister, Beverly Hoover; many nieces, nephews and beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Edith; father, John; step-mother, Opal; wife, Veronica; and brother, “Gene” Roland Reel.
Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, December 7, 2013 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines with visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. prior to the service.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the family directly or in care of Hamilton’s in loving memory of Russell.
On-line condolences to www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Frank Viola
12/07/2013
Sandy Sorry for your loss.
Tim Jennings
12/06/2013
Enjoyed working for you and enjoyed the laughter when we could talk. You taught me many things about being a man and I appreciated you giving me a job.
Sandy my prayers go out to you and remember you were pretty special to me also. Stay strong!
Roger & Sharon Fitzgerald
12/05/2013
Had great times working for you, you and La Pizza House will always be remembered! R.I.P. Russ! You will be missed!
Mark Lane
12/05/2013
Dear Russ,
I will never forget you and thank you for being my friend and customer. You were always kind to me and my family. I can't believe how many pizza and onion boxes and pizza pads I sold you for over 25 years including what my dad sold you when you first opened your store with Abby. You made a differece to many families in the Des Moines community a real differance my friend. May God Bless your Soul and keep making those pizza and onion rings in heaven.
All my love and best
Mark Lane
P.S. If you run out of boxes in heaven its going to be tougn LOL to get them to you.
Dave Temple
12/05/2013
I will always remember your pleasant smile. I always enjoyed the visits.
Rest in peace
Terry Aschan Jr.
12/05/2013
Russ, mom and dad have went to La Pizza House for as long as i can remember. I cut my baby teeth on your ham and sausage pizza. Your onion rings were the best ive ever had. I have known you practically my whole life. I just turned 59. Even, after i moved to the twin cities, i had to stop and get some pizza before heading back home. Thanks for coming to dads funeral. I will certainly try to make it to yours. You were a friend of the family. My condolences to your family and friends.
Judy Fisher
12/04/2013
Russ, there's not a childhood memory of going back to Des Moines that doesn't start with you. We always stopped at La Pizza House no matter what on the way into town. I will miss you dearly! You were one amazing man!
Laura (Little Laurie)
12/04/2013
My childhood is full of great memories of you and Veronica. You will be missed.
tracy&Debbie Bethards
12/04/2013
Russ we will miss you I loved baking cookies and treats for you and your employees at pizza house rest in peace you was a sweet man
Steve Mullins
12/04/2013
Russ was a great guy who always treated all of his employees as family. I have fond memories of Russ and the time I spent in th La Pizza House family. You will be missed Russ. My condolences to the family.
Pam Wright
12/03/2013
Will miss you, Russ. You were the best boss and good friend. You saw me through a lot over the years. Say hi to daisy for me. With deepest sympathy to your family and many friends.
Doug HInes
12/03/2013
You were a friend to me and my family for 50 years. From bowling to pizza you always remembered me and talked to me even as I became an "older man". you will always be remembered as a true friend!
Donna Fisher (Gregory)
12/03/2013
You will be missed greatly Russ.. We loved all the fun times we had at the La Pizza House and bowling tournments.. Love you ... RIP .. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends you left behind..