Jack E. Reel, 79, of Lena passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the SSM Health Center in Monroe, losing a years' long battle with the progressive effects of a home explosion in 2007. He was born to Elmer and Lucile (Blake) Reel on March 13, 1946, in Freeport, IL. He took over the family farming operation at the age of 16, following the death of his father, and graduated from Lena-Winslow High School in 1965. Jack lettered in three sports and was proud that his track relay team qualified for state his senior year, with a record that stood until 1992. On November 25, 1972, he married Jeannie Crain, and together they raised three children: Tina, Jen and Tim.
Jack played softball for years, was a member of the Lena Lions, and coached the girls youth softball team. He was an avid Bears, Cubs and Illini fan. After farming, he worked at Dean Foods in Belvidere until the home accident forced him into an early retirement. During his years of recovery, his best buddy became a rescue cat, B

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