Edison Reese

Edison Tobias Reese, Jr. "Toby", 77, of Oronoco, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2018 at The Homestead in Rochester. Toby was born September 25, 1940 in Rochester to Edison and Violet (Smith) Reese, Sr. He was a 1958 graduate of Rochester High School. On March 5, 1960, Toby married Donna Podolske at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester. He worked as a lineman and superintendent at the People's Co-op for 40 plus years. Along with working at the co-op, Toby also enjoyed farming. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Oronoco, the Oronoco Cemetery board, a lifetime member of the White Pines Sportsmen's Club and an officer of Grace Lutheran Church in Oronoco. Toby enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, especially to Hawaii, taking fishing trips and had a great interest in studying history, especially World War II. Toby had a great love and respect for the people he worked with over the years. He loved woodworking and tinkering around with mechanics. Toby and Donna enjoyed card club for 50 years, and spending time with friends. Toby was known for his witty sense of humor but also as a great listener. Above all, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Donna; children, Tammy (Tim) McCarty of Zumbro Falls, MN, Steve (Gloria) Reese of Oronoco, Peter (Laurie) Reese of Oronoco, David (Melissa) Reese of Fergus Falls, MN; grandchildren, Tanner and Ciara McCarty, Scott and Sean Marshall, Alisha Reese, Heather Tvedt, Jessica Steiner, Amanda Verney, Samuel, Benjamin and Andrew Reese; great-grandchildren, Landon Tvedt, Mackenzie Steiner; sister, Darleen Bennett of Rochester and brother-in-law, Larry "Butch" (Patty) Podolske of Hayward, WI. Toby was preceded in death by his parents, a special step-father and by his brother-in-law, Dick Bennett. The family wishes to thank Seasons Hospice, The Mayo Clinic and the care providers at The Homestead for all their kind and compassionate care of Toby. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at Grace Lutheran Church, 45 1st Ave. NW, Oronoco, MN 55960. Visitation will be held 4:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. Rev. Ben Kempfert will be officiating with burial at Oronoco Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to, Seasons Hospice, 1696 Greenview Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902, Grace Lutheran Church in Oronoco or to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 12209, 800 E. 28th St. Minneapolis, MN 55407. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com