Roger R. Reilson
- Visitation Dates and Times
Monday, August 3, 2026, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.
- Visitation Location
Salem United Church of Christ, Alhambra
- Service Date
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
- Service Time
10:00 a.m.
- Service Location
Salem United Church of Christ, Alhambra
- Full Obituary
Roger Raymond Reilson, age 86, of Alhambra, passed away at Cedarhurst in Highland on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. He was born on January 14, 1940, in Highland, the son of the late William and Lucille (nee Smith) Reilson.
Roger married Janelle L. (nee Knabel) Reilson on May 28, 1960, at Salem United Church in Alhambra, who survives in Highland.
In addition to his wife, Roger is survived by his son, Todd (Kerri) Reilson of Highland; grandchildren, Colby (Olivia) Reilson and Clint (Amanda) Reilson; great grandchildren, Josie Reilson, Lainey Reilson, Sadie Reilson, Lincoln Reilson and one on the way; sister, Jean Wildhaber; and sister-in-law, Marion Reilson.
Roger is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, William “Bill” Reilson; in-laws, Orville “Jr” Wildhaber, Maureen (Dean) Harms, Maxine Knabel and parents-in-law, Clarence and Bernice (nee Plog) Knabel.
Roger was a dedicated family man, veteran, and lifelong farmer. He served his country in the U.S. Army before dedicating over 30 years of hard work to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Roger also worked at Gehrig's Store in Alhambra and was a member of Salem UCC, where he served on the Salem Church Council.
Farming was Roger's true lifelong passion. As a collector of Minneapolis-Moline tractors, he spent his days working on the land, raising corn, wheat, and beans. A true handyman at heart, he loved to tinker and could fix about anything.
His grandchildren were the light of his life, whether sharing stories, offering tractor rides, attending ball games and school events, or simply enjoying time together, he cherished every moment spent with them.
Though his boots have been set aside and his work on this earth is complete, the seeds of love, faith, and strength he planted will continue to grow in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
Funeral Service will be Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Salem United Church of Christ, in Alhambra with Rev. Dr. Don Wagner and Pastor John Mindrup, presiding. Interment will follow at Salem Cemetery, with military honors.
Visitation will be Monday, August 3, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. at Salem United Church of Christ.
In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made Salem Cemetery, Hoyleton Home, or Brown Cemetery and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 1501 9th St., Highland, IL 62249, who is serving the family.
