Asecnsion "Sam" E. Reyes

Sam Reyes (born Asecnsion Ernandez Reyes) passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, April 11, 2021, at age 75. He started life on the family farm in Hughes, Arkansas, oldest son of Angel Ruiz Reyes and Mary Reyes (nee Anastasia Hernandez). The family later settled in Racine, and Sam left school to begin working. He held many jobs during his lifetime, starting as a car washer and moving up to owner of Sam’s Auto, then working at Jacobsen-Textron Manufacturing and later in a local warehouse. He always took pride in his work and even in retirement talked about getting a part-time job.

Sam loved watching sports, particularly wrestling and football and was a lifelong Dolphins fan, a devotion he passed along to his son. He never tired of watching movies and favorite television shows. Sam was a car enthusiast, and in his youth lovingly restored a muscle car, while in his senior years he kept his pickup truck in pristine condition. Sam loved his family, helping out when asked and enjoying visits from his siblings, children, and grandchildren whenever possible.

Sam is survived by his children Matthew (Brenda) Reyes, Chris Reyes, Cynthia Listrom, Christine (Troy) Erhardt; grandchildren Brea, Marcus, and Brogan Reyes, Kirsten Listrom Rollins (Timothy) and Kaitlyn Listrom, and Anthony, Justin and Tyler Erhardt; siblings Ruben Layton, Raymond Reyes, Eva (Antonio) Zagal, Onebre Reyes, Elena Wright, and Nancy Reyes; great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and other relatives. He is preceded by his parents and his siblings Julio Reyes, Sara Montes, Mary Keenan, Carmen Reyes, and John Reyes.

Sam wished to be cremated and was not one for public ceremonies. The family will gather graveside on Friday April 30, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. to inter his ashes near his father at Calvary Cemetery. A forest memorial service will be held at a later date at Kettle Moraine State Park under the trees that he missed from his boyhood in Arkansas. Cards of condolence may be sent to Matt Reyes, 2683 Marathon Ave., Neenah, WI 54956-5080.