William “Bill” Fred Reisen, 55, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away from complications from pneumonia at 8:56 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA.

A celebration of life service will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024, at the East Dubuque High School and Junior High, 200 Parklane Drive. We ask that everyone wear Warrior blue to honor him.

William was born on June 4, 1968 in Dubuque, IA, the son of Paul R. and Karen R. (Droessler) Reisen. He graduated from East Dubuque High School in 1986. He then went on to complete coursework in education at the Bachelor and Masters level, receiving a degree from Upper Iowa University in 1994. In 1995 he started a decades-long teaching and coaching career in the East Dubuque community.

Anyone who knew Bill knew that he was a storyteller. He was well known for his jokes, especially if the punchline was at his expense. His giggle was incredibly infectious. He was a comedian through and through, and he always sought to brighten the day of those around him. He loved unconditionally, taught devotedly, and coached passionately.

Every year you would hear him say, “The four greatest words known to man: pitchers and catchers report.” His love for the Cubs was legendary, exceeded only by his love for his family. He had the biggest heart, as everyone who knew him could attest. Not only did he do everything possible to make life better for his children, he also cared deeply for his students and players. It is difficult to measure the number of lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife Kara of East Dubuque, IL and his children Nolan of Waco, TX, Cassandra (Matthew) Burrell of Ankeny, IA, Anna, and Natalie. His father Paul R. Reisen, Sr. of East Dubuque; his sister Jody (Jim) Winchell of East Dubuque, his brother Jason “Jake” (Beckie) of Roy, UT, his brother Bryan “B” (Amy) of Fayettesville, GA, and his sister Gerry Lou (Jestin Sr.) Sertle of East Dubuque; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Ruth Bakey of East Dubuque, his in-laws, Shawn (Jill) Bakey of Colesburg, IA, and Shane (Julie) Bakey of Asbury, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill is preceded in death by his mother Karen Reisen, his brother, Paul Reisen, Jr, his grandparents William and Pauline Reisen and grandparents Jerry and Luetta Droessler.

Bill lived his life to the fullest with so much love in his heart. He was truly a Warrior until the very end.

In lieu of flowers, a Bill Reisen memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©

The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque is assisting the family.