John Francis Reimer

John Francis Reimer of Fairhope, Alabama, peacefully passed away on October 10th, 2018.  He was a Korean War Veteran, U.S. Air Force, and then joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where he had a distinguished career. He is survived by his son, John Francis Reimer, Jr. (Johnny) and Johnny’s wife, Theresa Churchill Reimer (Terry). He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Eulalie Nadeau Reimer (d.2012).  He was the last of his generation that included siblings Marion Bromley (d.1983), Trueman (Buddy) Reimer (d.1991), Betty Cockrell (d.1995), and Henry (Billy) Reimer, CPA (d.2012). Marion Celestia and John Edward Bromley of Mullet Point, AL, had children Carol Ann who married William Ellis and later married Joseph Rosa, and John Edward, Jr. (Bubba). Trueman and Mary (Betty) Reimer of Mobile, AL, had children Trueman Allen, Jr. who married Ferol Gainer, Mary Ann who married Michael McEwen, and Diane Marie Reimer. Betty Ann and Ross Van Buren Cockrell of Mobile, AL, had children Vann Dudley who married Sarah Lynda, Gary Leigh who married Karen Reisch, Deborah Lynn who married Jerry Streifling, Chris Randolph who married Ann Freeman, and Kevin who married Bonnie Hunt. Henry and Thelma Reimer of Mobile, AL, had children Regina who married William (Bud) Ehlert, Daniel who married Ann Giblin, and Melanie who married Paul Hal Moore.   After Thelma’s passing, Henry married Carmen Hannah and then later Rosemary Latham. John and Alice were married on November 29th, 1958. Alice Nadeau’s siblings include Ann who married Dewey Sullivan and their children are George and Jimmy.  Marie who married Bob Bostwick and their children are Bobby, Gary and Diane.  Alexander (A.D.) who married Jean and their children are Steve, Theresa, Mike, Jeff, Philip and Julie.  Rita who married Joe and their children are Mary, Janet, Joe Jr., Amy, Rita Lynn, Helen and Emily.   Burned in a tragic accident at 7 years old, John did not let his skin graft scars diminish his spirit. By the age of 15 he was driving the school bus to get younger kids to school.  During his son Johnny’s formative years, John was a Little League coach, Band Booster Executive, and all around stellar “Pop.”  John graduated from Auburn University in 1957 and was acknowledged as a “Golden Eagle” when attending Auburn football games.  After jobs that included US Steel in Birmingham, AL, John began working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Mobile Branch. Years later, he got promoted to the Corps Huntsville, AL, office and then promoted to the Corps Headquarters office in Washington, DC.   From Headquarters, John helped build air bases in Saudi Arabia and Germany. He revolutionized cost estimating with his Job Order Contracting (JOC) system for the Corps. Years later, his son Johnny created the computer version of JOC for a government contractor and deployed it at several Army Bases.   John was in the Inner Circle of the Reimer Family Reunion planning committee.  Biannually, since Will Reimer of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, reached out to John, there has been a Reunion in various cities, such as Pewaukee, WI; Fairhope, AL; St. Jacobs, Ontario, Canada; Eckernförde, Germany; and Sheboygan, WI. The Reunions are held to reacquaint Reimers from around the globe. John attended every Reunion and was beloved internationally.   During his 30 years of retirement, John began a “bucket list” of adventures. His most recent included sailing through the Panama Canal. With nephew Allen Reimer in tow, the two went through the Canal (only 20 days ago, I might add) satisfying any engineer’s wanderlust to see that marvel of engineering.   One of John’s passions was the Men’s Senior Volleyball Group of St. Lawrence Catholic Church.  He was the Senior Coordinator, contacting the men for their weekly participation schedule.  All members of this group are Honorary Pall Bearers.  As a crowning achievement of the Group, John treated most team members to dinner --mind you, only 5 days before his death. They went to one of Fairhope’s finest establishments, The Fairhope Inn, managed by the incomparable Todd Glass.   It was a legendary night. Men’s Senior Volleyball Group members include: Father Babu ArulRaj, Andy Higgins, Andy O’Pry, Billy Sewerd, Bob Clark, Bob Kinler, Bob Ricks, Bill Mundy, Bruce Cuddy, Claude Marquette, Dennis Clark, Ed Rutkowski, George Thorpe, James Jennings, Jeff Clark, Jerry Threadgill, John Cassily, John Pierce, John Taylor, John Terhune, Jon Peace, Larry White, Les Leachman, Mac Morrison, Mark Woodward, Paul Fedor, Paul Mosley, Tom Ducher, and Woody Overbey.   The funeral services will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Fairhope on Tuesday, October 16th at 9:00 a.m. with Mass at 10:00 a.m.   A reception will immediately follow at 11:00 am. in the Church’s Lawrence Room.  John will be buried at Catholic Cemetery of Mobile. While there is no procession, grave side services will commence at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, John requested donations be made to the Oblate Sisters of St. Francis de Sales or the Maryknoll Society.   ARRANGEMENTS BYWOLFE-BAYVIEWFUNERAL HOMES& CREMATORY, INC.19698 GREENO RDFAIRHOPE, AL 36532251-990-7775