Robert William "Bob" Reiman

Robert William Reiman, age 89, of Osceola, went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Greenleaf Health Campus in Elkhart. Bob was born on June 10, 1935, to the late Fredrick O. and Ida E. (Stacy) Reiman in Ceylon Village, Minnesota. Following high school, Bob answered the call to serve his country, joining the Army National Guard during the Korean War era. Though he never saw combat, his time in the service instilled in him a deep sense of duty and camaraderie. After his military service, Bob began a long career as a lineman with Indiana Bell where he formed lifelong friendships with his colleagues. His work ethic and reliability made him a respected figure among his peers. In his retirement, Bob embraced new adventures. He bought a rototiller and began tilling gardens for friends and neighbors, later becoming a master gardener. His love of the outdoors extended to fishing, a pastime he cherished throughout his life. Bob also had a passion for adventure and travel, exploring new places and meeting new people.

Bob is survived by his devoted companion of more than 30 years, Nancy J. Lerner of Osceola, along with his children, William (Gayle) Reiman of Alanson, Michigan; Rochelle (Richard) Grounds of Bremen, Indiana; Robert “Rob” (Edith) Reiman of Elkhart, Indiana; Laurie (Ron) Miner of Niles, Michigan; and Holly (Dennis) Virgil of Mishawaka, Indiana. He also embraced his “bonus children” Ellen (Tony) Lerner-Hardin of Genesee, Michigan, and Brian (Josie) Lerner of Indianapolis, Indiana, as his own. His greatest joy was his growing family, which included 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and two beloved “bonus granddaughters.” He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Ida Reiman, an infant brother, his granddaughter, Ann Marie Keiser and his favorite uncle, William Reiman. 

Bob loved the Lord and was faithful. He was a dedicated member of the Osceola United Methodist Church, where he found great joy in worship and fellowship. In his spare time, Bob was a Ham radio operator, known by his call sign "KB9IVA" to many. He was a regular attendee of the Dayton, Ohio, Ham Radio Conventions, where he enjoyed connecting with fellow enthusiasts. When his sons were younger, Bob served as an assistant Scout Master and took them to the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, where he helped teach valuable skills and life lessons. Bob loved to read and was a member of several libraries in the area. He was also an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, following the team through their years of highs and lows.

A man of many talents, Bob participated in Revolutionary War reenactments, where he specialized in demonstrating skills such as buckskinning, trapping, and shooting muzzleloaders. His knowledge and passion for history brought the past to life for many spectators. He will also be remembered for his great sense of humor, his orneriness, and the ease in which strangers became friends. He was a regular at the COSTCO food court, where he became affectionately known as "Hot Dog Friday" by the team at the store.

Family and friends are invited to honor Bob’s life at a visitation, which will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Osceola United Methodist Church, 431 N. Beech Road, Osceola, Indiana 46561. Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola has been entrusted with Bob’s care. For those unable to attend the service in person, a live stream will be available in real time. You may join us by following this link to Osceola United Methodist Church's website: https://www.osceolaumc.org/

In Bob’s memory, donations may be made to the Osceola United Methodist Church. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Bob’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook tab above.