Paul "Gene" Reish, 85, of Rockford, died at 11:56 p.m. Jan. 11, 2010, at The Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.

He was born July 11, 1924, in Darke County to Earl C. and Fredrica Schmidt Reish. On June 30, 1946, he married Betty Jean Rowland, who died July 18, 2006.

Surviving are a daughter, Pam (Ken) Meyer, Rockford; a sister-in-law, Marge Reish, Sidney; five granddaughters, four great-grandsons and a great-great-grandson.

Deceased are two sons, Denny and Doug Reish; a brother, Earl Reish Jr.; and two sisters, Mary Armor and his twin sister, Imogene Williams.

He owned and operated Reish's Five and Dime Store, Rockford, for many years and worked at the Huffy Bicycle Corp., Celina and the New Idea plant in Coldwater, where he retired. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and a member of Rockford Presbyterian Church and the American Legion, Rockford.

Services are 10 a.m. Friday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, the Rev. Marvin Schwartz officiating. Burial is at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday and after 9 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Contributions can be made to New Horizons Community Church, Rockford.

Condolences can be left at ketchamripleyfh@embarqmail.com.