Eli James Reed

Eli James Reed, 21, passed away January 26, 2022 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center.

Eli was born November 20, 2000 in Des Moines, Iowa to Scott Reed and Mai Ahn Jennings. He attended SE Polk High School where he played football and wrestling until graduation in 2019. He qualified for State in wrestling duals and reached the semi-finals in football as a starter. He recently started attending Iowa State University, participating in ROTC, and working at Burger Shed in Altoona, which went hand in hand with his love for food. His co-workers were a second family to him.

In his aim to become a federal law enforcement agent he joined the Iowa National Guard, ROTC and majored in Criminal Justice to reach his goals. He was honored as an Iron Soldier at basic training, and completed basic, Army Ranger and Airborne training within 10 months. His military awards include the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Ranger tab, Paratrooper badge and Expert Marksman badge.

Eli was dedicated, determined, strong-willed, intelligent, admirable, resolute, honorable, loving, jovial and a real goofball. His presence lit up a room. He was a dedicated brother and loved to get everyone together. Once the music started he would be the first one to dance.

Eli is survived by his parents, Scott (Harmony) Reed and Mai Ahn “Carol” (Zeeman) Jennings; siblings, Kaleb Reed, Gage Reed, Elysia Reed, Kyrie Jennings; step-brothers and sisters; grandparents, JoAnn and Dale Pettijohn; Godson, Matthias “Matty Ice” Lyons; and a host of extended family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James (Kathie) Reed; uncle, J.C. Reed; grandparents, Richard (Ruth) Flanery; and South Korean grandmother, Ahn Bong Keum.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, February 3, 2022, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 4, 2022, at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 8th St. SW, Altoona, with burial to follow at Union Cemetery, Guthrie Center.


In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Eli at this link link text

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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