John J. Reb

John J. Reb, 92, of Topeka, passed away on January 27, 2020 at University of Kansas Health System, St. Francis Campus.

John was born in Topeka, Kansas on December 26, 1927, the son of John and Maryanna Schmidt Reb. John was employed at the Topeka Santa Fe Shops for over 39 years. He is a member of the Carman’s Union # 887, a branch of the T.C.U He also belongs to the B.N.S.F. Retiree’s Club.

John Graduated from Ellis High School in Ellis, Kansas in 1945. John then served in the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany and Austria in 1946. He is a member of the American Legion Post #400. John is a past president of the American Historical Society of the Germans from Russia, in Topeka. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2608. John served in the office of the Grand Knight, the office of the Faithful Navigator, and the office of the Kansas Knights of Columbus as District Deputy, New Council Chairman, and Knighthood Ceremonial Captain, and James W. Gibbons Assembly of the Fourth Degree.

John was an active member of the St. Joseph/Sacred Heart Parish and sang in the Sacred Heart Choir for numerous years.

He enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, vegetable gardening, music, and dancing and loved the sport of bowling.

John married Lela Marie Briggs on November 27, 1952 at Assumption Church in Topeka. Lela precedes John in death on November 12, 2013 after a loving 60 years of marriage. John is also preceded in death by his son, Michael D. Reb on July 5, 2010; three brothers, William, Albert, and Carl; six sisters, Ann Engroff, Rose Kisner, Mary Stattelman, Catherin Hertlein, Virginia Schefelbein, and Millie Ziegler.

He is survived by his children, John A. (Georgete) Reb and Patricia A. (Chuck) Thomas; four grandchildren, Joey (Jamie) Peralta, Tammy (Chris) Carlson, Angela (A.J.) Stevens, and Samuel Moore; and four great grandchildren, Emily Reb, Hailey Peralta, Chloe Peralta, and Joey Peralta

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The Knights of Columbus will stand in honor during the parish rosary, which will take place at 5:30 p.m. followed by the 4^th Degree Knights of Columbus Chalice Ceremony at 6:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment with military honors will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Restoration Fund and sent in care of Brennan Mathena Funeral Home.