Nickolas “Nick” Reiss, age 91, of Anaconda, passed away October 25th 2015 in Helena, MT. Nick was born October 21st 1924 in New England, North Dakota to John Reiss & Magtaline Empter. After the death of his mother he was raised by his stepmother Barbara Mosset. Nick attended schools in New England, Dodge, Marshall, and Leihigh, ND. From there the Relief moved the family to a farm one mile north of Dunn Center, Stark County, ND, where his school term was finished. His younger days were spent working on various, farms as a ranch hand in the area.
In 1943, Nick enlisted in the U.S. Army. Nick was a part of Company E, 383rd Infantry Regiment, and a Private 1st Class, Rifleman 745. He participated in the battles of Ryukyus, the Asiatic Pacific Theater, Saipan (the tail end), Leyte, and the invasion of Okinawa. For his participation he received the Combat Infantryman Badge, Battle Star Badge, Asiatic Pacific Medal, Service Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal. After being wounded he was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal, Lapel Button Issue ASR Score, and the Purple Heart. Nick was discharged October 1945.
Nick married Francis Reisenauer in August of 1947, in New England, ND. Francis passed away in 1992. Nick returned to Montana working for the Anaconda Smelter, The Butte Concentrator and back to the smelter, working until the smelter’s closure in 1980, when he retired.
Nick is survived by 2 children; Donald (Mary) Reiss, Ruth Ann (Jack) Hatcher. Grandchildren: Lauri (Joe) Pagan, Nickalos John (Sara) Reiss. Great-grandchildren: Spencer, Hannah, Zachary, Jordan, Nichola and Lillyjo.
Nick belonged to the Eagles Lodge, active in Disable American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
A funeral liturgy will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2015, at 10:00 am, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602. A graveside service will follow the liturgy at the Montana State Veteran’s cemetery, Fort Harrison, MT. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Nick.
Service Schedule
Funeral Liturgy
10:00 a.m.
Thursday October 29, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following Funeral Liturgy
Thursday October 29, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Liturgy
10:00 a.m.
Thursday October 29, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following Funeral Liturgy
Thursday October 29, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, MT 59602
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Erin Dobrinen says
It’s quite sad to lose you a year after Ralph. We’re so sorry to lose both of you.
Deepest sympathies to cousins Don and Ruth Ann and families.
Erin Dobrinen with Phil and Margy Reiss.
Bruce and Vicky Sanders says
Sorry to hear that your dad has passed away. Most of us, at our age, know what that is like. Will not be able attend the funeral since my son Brad is visiting us this week. But I do have a fond memory of your dad. He stopped by Ralph’s one day, on one of his many Harleys. It was all chromed out. He told me if I could start it he would sell it to me for $400. I was either 12 or 13 years old then. Them old Harleys, if you didn’t put all you weight into pushing down the starting lever, it would back fire and throw you over the bike. Well, I climbed up on that bike, stood tall and gave it everything I was worth. Well, low and behold, I started it. He looked at me amazed and just said, “A deal is a deal.” So I ran home, we lived right next store to Ralph and asked my dad for the $400 bucks. In my dad’s wisdom, he didn’t lend me the money. And looking back, that was a GOOD thing.