Gerard Reiser

Gerard Marcus Reiser was born on August 16, 1956, in Denison, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Virginia (Munchrath) Reiser. He was baptized and later confirmed at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison, where he remained a lifelong member. Gerard received his education at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School and graduated from Denison High School with the Class of 1975.

Following his education, Gerard began working in the road construction industry and later at the Dubuque Packing Plant, all while continuing to help on the family farm alongside his parents and siblings. He also spent time working at the Pub in Denison and later Arcadia Meats with his brother, Paul. Gerard made his home in Denison throughout his life.

Those who knew Gerard best described him as caring, kind, loving, funny, and forgiving. He had a gentle soul and a deep desire to help others. Gerard shared his compassion through his involvement at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, assisting with fall dinners, volunteering at the school he once attended, and especially enjoying time spent with the children. He was also active with the Knights of Columbus, participating in the Tootsie Roll Drive for Special Olympics, and in years past, helping with pancake breakfasts. Wherever there was a need, Gerard was there. He also took part in community events such as BBQ Fest in Denison. Gerard was known for greeting everyone he encountered, often calling out a friendly hello, even to someone across the road.

Gerard was deeply devoted to his family. Along with his brother Allan, he remained at home to care for their parents, providing support, safety, and transportation. He faithfully drove his mother to her doctor’s appointments and dialysis treatments in Harlan and Carroll three times each week, often accompanied by his father, who lived with macular degeneration.

He shared many meaningful and memorable moments with his father, including trips to Burger King and McDonald’s, where they enjoyed playing cards and “solving the world’s problems.” One thing Gerard would not do, however, was take his father to the casino. He would often give him a hard time about gambling and wearing Las Vegas t-shirts, reminding him it was a sin and that he would one day have to answer to God, a thought his family imagines was revisited when they were reunited in heaven.

A familiar sight around town was the maroon Cadillac driven by Gerard, Allan, and their father. The car, with its distinctive red cover sheet over a damaged trunk door that would no longer close, became something of a local legend. One Denison resident jokingly remarked that whenever the vehicle arrived, it was as if “Superman had arrived.”

Gerard will be remembered for his kindness, his unwavering dedication to his family, and the way he affected the lives of those around him. Gerard passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 9:22 a.m., at Vista Hospital in Waukegan, Illinois attaining the age of 69 years, seven months and three days. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Frederick, William, Dean, Paul and Brian Reiser; and niece, Alesha Mahaney.

He is survived by his siblings: Glenda (Vincent) Mahaney of Denison, Dennis (Dawn) Reiser of Carroll, Janet Reiser of Carroll, Kevin Reiser of Sun Lakes, Arizona, Dr. Daniel (Meghan Goder) Reiser of Sudbury, Massachusetts; twin siblings: Annette (Robert) Lehmann of Ankeny and Allan Reiser of Denison; many nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles; and many other family members and friends.

A Prayer Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. with visitation to follow from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison. Interment will follow in the St. Rose Cemetery. The family will direct memorials.