Raymond LaVerne Reschly, 87, of Kalona, died Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, at the Iowa City Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.
Raymond was born Aug. 10, 1932, near Crawfordsville, Iowa, the son of Harry and Fannie (Conrad) Reschly. He received his education at the Crawfordsville School, graduating in 1950. He completed 1W service in Chicago from 1951-52. After 1W service, he went to work with his Uncle Irving, learning masonry/carpentry, the trade that became his career. On June 21, 1957, he married Wava Ann Troyer at Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church in Kalona.
Raymond built several houses and laid brick on many jobs. The monuments to his skill can be seen all over Kalona, Iowa City and Coralville. He was a member of the Optimist Club starting in 1971 and served as the club president from 1985-86. He coached the Kalona Blue Little League team from 1974 to 1984. He was one of the original members of the Kalona First Responders. An avid sports fan, you could always be certain to see him watching a baseball, football or basketball game on the TV when you came to visit.
Ray loved the outdoors and took up hunting as a way to put food on the table. It quickly became a passion that took him as far away as Colorado and Alaska to get his prized elk and big horned sheep.
A member of the Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church, Ray’s Christian beliefs were part of every day life. He was always willing to lend a hand to those in need, including rebuilding homes, laying brick, and any other odd jobs that needed done.
Survivors include his spouse: Wava; four children: Jeffrey (Denise) Reschly of Riverside, Michael (Sheri) Reschly of Elizabeth, Colo., Trish (Michael) Constable of Henderson, Colo., and Brent (Megan) Reschly of Marshalltown; five grandchildren: Olivia Reschly, Justin (Hilary) Bowlin, Andrea Bowlin, Emily Constable, and Abby Constable; brother: Vernon of Oklahoma; and many other nieces, nephews, and other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Vera Buchanon, Kathryn Lehmann and Elsie Burkholder; and brothers: Marion, Willard, Orlin, and Benjamin.
Funeral service was held Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, at Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church in Kalona, with Don Patterson officiating. Burial was at Lower Deer Creek Mennonite Church in Kalona.
Yoder-Powell Funeral Home of Kalona is caring for the family. Messages and tributes may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com
