Rochester resident James Edward "Eddie" Reiland, 90, died January 13, 2014 with his family at his side.

Eddie was born May 10, 1923, the son of Leonard and Irene (Lucas) Reiland in Rollingstone, MN.

After graduating from Holy Trinity High School in Rollingstone, MN in 1941, Eddie attended St. Mary's College in Winona, MN until 1943, and the St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Denver, CO until 1945. He then joined the U.S. Navy, where he served from 1945 to1947.

Eddie married Viola Ziegenfuss on July 15, 1950, and they made their home in Rochester, MN, where they raised their seven children. He was a salesman for Star Bread, Bunny Bread and Wonder Bread Bakeries in Rochester, and was an active member of St. Francis Parish, and the Knights of Columbus. He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, Food Response, Channel One, Help for Haiti, Jamaica Missions, and sponsored mission children.

Eddie especially enjoyed gardening, fishing, watching Twins games, and spending time with Vi, his beloved wife of 63 years, and family. He was an attentive and loving father to his eight children, and six sons-and-daughters-in-law, and a close and fun grandfather to his 18 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Surviving Eddie are his wife, Viola (Ziegenfuss) Reiland; Steve Reiland of Stoughton, WI; Dave (Terri) Reiland of Durand, WI; Judy (John) Wittenberger, Rochester, MN; Carol (Kim) Clarey, Rochester, MN; Bill (Cindy) Reiland, Rochester, MN; Dan (Barb) Reiland, Eau Claire, WI, and Gary (Becky) Reiland, Rochester, MN.

He also leaves 18 grandchildren, Kati (Zach) Longsdorf, Eden Prairie, MN; Lisa (Eric) Arkowski, Eau Claire, WI; Matt Reiland, Rochester, MN; Liana Reiland, Eau Claire, WI; Eric (Stacy) Marquardt, Golden Valley, MN; Sarah (Sean) Allen, Rochester, MN; Adam (Jess) Marquardt, Rochester, MN; Chadd (Laura) Clarey, Rochester, MN; Ryan (Steph) Clarey, Rochester, MN; Mark Clarey, Rochester, MN; Christine (Kevin) Kallas, Rochester, MN; Steph Reiland, Rochester, MN; Tyler, Alec and Laura Reiland of Eau Claire, WI, and Lindsey, Julia and Benjamin Reiland of Rochester, MN. He is survived by one brother, Tom (Marlene) Reiland, Albert Lea, MN, and Catherine Reiland, Rollingstone, MN.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his infant son, Peter; and three brothers, Don Reiland, Dick Reiland, and Joe Reiland.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM January 15, 2014 at the Macken Funeral Home River Park Chapel in Rochester, and for one hour prior to the mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Thursday.  A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with the Rev. Mark McNea officiating.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Macken Funeral Home, Rochester, MN, is serving the family. Online condolences are welcome at mackenfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Francis Catholic Church or Season's Hospice in Rochester are preferred