The Reverend Dee Jay Reiff, age 77, was born in rural Kansas on March 21, 1938, to John and Ruth Reiff. He and his younger brother, Danny, grew up on the family farm and spent their summers custom combining wheat from Oklahoma to Montana. He graduated from Kipp High School in Kansas where he was a member of three basketball teams which qualified for the state tournament. He also played trumpet in the band and sang with the choir.
Dee Jay graduated from Sterling College, Sterling, Kansas, where he ran track, participated in musical groups and the gospel team. After receiving his degree in business administration, he enrolled at Dubuque Theological Seminary in Iowa. While there he met his wife-to-be, Nancy Miner, of Minneapolis. They were married in 1966.
For over 49 years he served multiple congregations, including Sparks outside of Valentine, Nebraska; Hopewell and Saltville in rural Beloit, Kansas; Westminister Presbyterian of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; The Presbyterian Church of LeSueur, Minnesota; Troy Presbyterian outside Columbia City, Indiana; Zion Presbyterian Church of Ellsworth, Minnesota; and his last permanent congregation was Westminster Presbyterian Church of Council Bluffs, Iowa. He also served nine churches in an interim role over the next ten years. Upon his final retirement, he continued to do supply preaching and visitation for several congregations including volunteer visitation pastor for Dundee Presbyterian Church of Omaha, Nebraska.
During his ministry at least six youth whom Dee Jay mentored entered full-time ministry. Dee Jay most enjoyed mentoring, encouraging, and serving fellow pastors, congregations, and those he met. He will be remembered for that pastoral spirit. He died February 18, 2016.
Dee Jay is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Nancy; older son Jim and his two daughters Ana and Jamie; younger son Chris and wife Lori, and their daughter Emily and son John; along with well-loved granddogs.
Dee Jay’s deep dedication to, and love of family will be treasured forever.
Services: Monday, February 22nd at 11 a.m. at Dundee Presbyterian Church in Omaha. Graveside Service and Interment on Thursday, February 25th at 2 p.m. at Pleasant View Memorial Gardens in Burnsville. Memorials will be directed by the family.
Arrangements by Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler, 402-391-3900, www.heafeyheafeycom.
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