Susanna Reis, 99 years old of Belfield, died on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at her home where she lived for 78 years. Susanna’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Belfield with Fr. Shane Campbell as celebrant. Interment will take place at St. Bernard’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday October 21, 2024 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Ron Keller presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the mass at the church.
Susanna was born September 18, 1925 to Louis and Anna (Schmidt) Huschka. She grew up on a farm southeast of Belfield along with 14 siblings. She would always tell the family that she was her father’s shadow, as she spent her days outside helping him with the animals, machinery, and farm chores. Alongside her mother and father, she learned the gift of giving as she was sent many times to help the neighbors with their chores, their children, or whatever they needed her to do.
Susanna met, fell in love, and married Nick Reis on November 4, 1946. She never failed to share with her children and grandchildren what a kind and loving man he was. They did everything together. Many times, we were told what a lucky woman she was and how the good Lord had blessed her with a wonderful marriage.
Her Catholic faith took priority in her and Nick’s life. The family rosary was recited daily, come rain or shine, chores, or company. The day was not complete without it. Her prayers for her family were numerous as the stars and undoubtly, they will continue. Through her faith she entrusted everything into the hands of God.
Susanna loved all the aspects of farm life, from working in the fields, to raising chickens, milking cows or pulling a calf. There was not a chore that she could not or would not do. She loved to bake, cook, garden, and sew. Each grandchild received a handmade quilt upon their arrival into this world. Oh, the prayers that were said for those children as her hands worked. The garden was huge. She felt that if the good Lord blessed her with a bountiful harvest, she was meant to share that with others.
Susanna never wanted fancy unnecessary things. She always put others first. She only wanted to be of service to others. As one of the sons is fond of saying, “She took in every stray in the county”, meaning any family that needed a place to stay or food to eat was welcome at her home. She never allowed anyone to leave empty handed. Caramel rolls, pumpkin pie, chocolate chip cookies, sour cream twists and strudel never stayed around long, and many, many hours were spent frying chicken for family and friends. Susanna worked hard, but did so knowing that through God’s grace anything and everything was possible.
Susanna leaves behind 11 children: Peter Reis, Belfield, Kathleen (John) Jahner, Hettinger, David (Kathy) Reis, Fairfield, Diane (Brian) Koskovich, Dickinson, Ann (Doug) Morel, Dickinson, Edith (Odis) Hewson, Buffalo, SD, Bill Reis, Fryburg, Nick (LaVonne) Reis, Dickinson, Marlene (Jeff) Sowden, Billings, MT, Steve (Lisa) Reis, Lyman, WY, Lisa (Duane) Obrigewitch, Belfield; 41 grandchildren, 81 great-grandchildren, ten great-great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Catherine Roller, Eva (Bob) Hlibichuk, and Dorothy Fluher.
Preceding her in death were her loving husband, Nick; her parents; daughter-in-law, Karen Reis; seven sisters; four brothers; one grandson, Michael Reis; and two great-grandsons, Dylan Jahner and Elijah Hewson.
