John Reese

John Roberts Reese was born on March 14, 1950 in Red Oak Iowa, and entered into eternal rest on January 29, 2024 in Corning, Iowa. He was the second child born to Helen Roberts and Raymond Reese. John grew up on the family farm north of Corning, and although a childhood accident hindered him from many activities, he was able to graduate from Corning High School in 1968. He went on to receive his Bachelor’s and Masters degrees in history from Northwest Missouri State. John had a love for horses that was nurtured by his dad, who raced harness horses. He became very good at the sport and won many races in Iowa, the Quad Cities, Chicago area, and St. Louis area where he met his wife, Dinah. He became very well known in the racing world, and served as driver for many stables as well as his own which included Big Key and Hap Bob Bobby, two of his favorites. In 2009, John was inducted into the Iowa Harness Horseman’s Hall of Fame. John drove to win his first professional race and ended his career with a final win.

John is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and half-sister, Nancy Adams. He will be greatly missed by his wife Dinah, and dog Queenie. He is survived by his sister Jeanie Greer, (Gordon), Greenville S.C; brother, Jim, Bedford IA; sister Janet Reese Goodson, Rosemount MN; and sister Judi Julian (Kimm), Chisago City MN. He is also survived by nieces Rebecca, Britany, Rachelle; nephews Andrew, Kort, Colin, Drew, Erinn, and eight grand nephews and nieces. 

Visitation for John will be on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 9:30-10:30 followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am at Pearson Funeral Home with Rev. LeAnn Robine officiating. 

Burial will follow the service at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Corning. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the “John Reese Memorial Fund, to be established”, would be appreciated.

John, you finally are free of pain and can walk again with Mom and Dad.