Rick Reyer

Richard Daniel Reyer, 64, of Wausau, WI, passed away peacefully in his home late on Monday, September 22, after his battle with ALS. Born June 6, 1961, in Madison, WI, to Daniel and Sharon Reyer, Rick was the oldest of three children.

Rick was a man of unshakeable faith and profound integrity. He constantly sought to deepen his relationship with God, and his understanding of the gospel. Each year, he would read the Bible from cover to cover, starting again at Genesis 1:1 on January 1st. He deeply valued the opportunity to share his belief, which he did through his involvement in his church, where he played drums on the Worship Team.

Rick was a devoted husband, a loving dad, and an adoring grandpa. He married Kim (Narlock) in October of 1983, after being brought together by their mutual interest in Drum Corps International. A seemingly unlikely pair, Rick and Kim were inseparable, traveling the country together, sharing secret smiles and inside jokes, utterly thrilled to be on the journey of life together. After 42 years of marriage, Rick would often be caught with his eyes locked on his bride, caught in a moment of rapt adoration.

Rick’s love for Kim was matched only by his love for his two sons, Daniel and Michael. Rick treasured being a father and found no greater joy than spending time with his children. He enjoyed a special relationship with his oldest son, Daniel. As Dan grew, Rick embraced his special needs and was a dedicated advocate for Dan to enjoy a full and joyful life. He became a coach for the Wisconsin Special Olympics, where he trained and cheered Dan on in the snowshoeing competition. In addition to sharing their love of music by hanging out and playing the drums, the two could often be seen out for day trips in the Wausau community, shopping at local stores and fishing on the lake.

His youngest, Michael, would ping-pong across all sorts of interests, and Rick would be there every step of the way. He became a Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 465 and came along for every campout. Rick was a mentor and protector for those he loved, believing in everyone’s innate goodness, while being a model for the men his sons would one day become. That didn’t stop him from being the occasional goofball, however. A connoisseur of horrible dad jokes, Rick loved few things more than seeing his son’s eyes roll after a particularly clever pun.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Rick would cherish every minute spent in the wilderness or out on the water, enjoying the opportunity to be a witness to God’s beautiful creation. He could spend hours perched in a tree stand or sitting on a boat, listening to the chirping of the birds, the rustling of the wind, and the lapping of the waves. Rick was a firm believer in the peace found by simply closing your eyes, opening your ears, and becoming one with the nature around you.

Rick’s passion for stories led him to a career in communications, culminating in a 35-year tenure at Wisconsin Public Radio, where he retired as Regional Manager in 2023. He lent his voice to thousands, sharing news, information, and stories of people both local and international. His proudest accomplishment was leading the design and construction of a state-of-the-art recording studio, located on the UW-Marathon County campus.

Rick was heavily involved in his community. He was an active representative of the Wausau Police and Fire Commission, and a board member for House Beautiful Retreats. He was also a former member of organizations including the Rotary Club of Wausau, Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce, Northwoods Festival of Brass, and the Wausau Elks Lodge. After his retirement, Rick published articles in the Wausau Pilot, where he would share his faith and his love for the outdoors.

Rick is survived by his wife Kim Reyer, his sons Daniel and Michael Reyer (Beth), his grandchildren Remy and Rowan, his mother Sharon Reyer-Oertel, his sisters Kelly Doughty (Brian) and Melissa Eslinger (Scott), his sisters-in-law Michelle Gillespie (Ken) and Jody Hobbs (Matt), dear friends Howard Blair and Marc Carlson (Sheila), and many beloved nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

He is preceded in passing by his father Daniel Reyer, his father- and mother-in-law Jim and Verna Narlock, his grandparents, and his cherished dogs, Blackie, Norton, and Lexie. Along with many loved ones who welcomed him to Heaven with open arms.

Rick's family would like to thank the staff of St. Croix Hospice for their assistance and care during the last several weeks. Their support allowed Rick to spend his final days in peace and comfort.

To honor Rick, spend a little time outdoors, stop and listen to the birds, tell a terrible dad joke, and love your family.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:00AM, at Immanuel Baptist Church, with Pastor Rob Love presiding. Visitation is from 9:00AM until the time of service at 11:00AM. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Rick’s honor to Empowered Dream Hunts Inc., Team Gleason, or the ALS Association.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be shared at www.ascendweston.org.