William Charles Reiss

Graduating from The Ohio State University with a Master's degree in Agriculture/ Horticulture, Will's thirst for knowledge kept him regularly going back to the University taking classes in Finance, Earth Science, and Geology. He and his wife, Marilyn, just celebrated 41 amazing years together. Teaching at both Westland High School and Grove City High School, Will ran their Horticulture classes, as well as the greenhouses.

After retirement, he discovered he missed teaching too much to stop, so he found an opening in the Science Department at Bishop Watterson High School and worked there for 13 years. He revived their highly respected recycling program and pushed it to include composting so they could achieve a zero-waste level - only the dirt from the floor went into the trash and landfill. Locker cleanout at the end of the school year was a full-on press to collect everything that could be recycled, repurposed and reused. Those of you involved are probably exhausted just remembering!

Because of his incredible scope and depth of knowledge, he became the "Go-To-Guy" for questions - from plant identification and care to world events and cultures; world and Ohio history to genetic engineering and science. Will was the one you turned to when you needed someone to just be there because you knew he would do whatever he could to help without complaint.

His amazing heart saw only the "good" when others could find no good. Combined with his incredible patience and thirst for knowledge he was the beautiful, gentle, patient and caring man his students, colleagues, friends and family knew and loved.

The eldest of six boys, Will earned the love and respect of his siblings who looked up to him. He will be deeply missed by his brothers and their families: Peter (Carol) Reiss; Michael Doc Reiss; John Reiss; Dr. James Reiss and nephew Robert Vladimir Reiss; and David (Susan) Reiss and niece Emma Minjung Reiss.

At Will's request, there will be no viewing or service. Keeping us in your prayers, we are asking friends and family to honor Will in whatever special way feels best. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hope Hollow, a charitable organization very dear to Will that provides lodging, meals, transportation assistance and emotional support at no cost to cancer patients and their loved ones. Donations may be sent to Hope Hollow; P.O. Box 141423; Columbus, Ohio 43214 or at www.hopehollow.com/donate.