Edward Reese Jones

Edward (Ed) Reese Jones, a lifelong resident of La Crosse, passed away on June 1, 2024, at Bethany Riverside where he lived with his wife Carol. Ed was dearly loved by family and friends and known for being a friendly, generous man who readily expressed interest in others. He had just celebrated his 95th birthday in May.

Ed graduated from Central High School in La Crosse.  He then reported for duty in the U.S. Army, serving in Japan. Ed married Carol Grady in 1954 and they went on to live in their home on Redfield Street for the next sixty-six years before moving to Bethany. Ed introduced his sons to fun on the river through fishing and boating.  Along with their dear family friends and neighbors, the Andersons, they spent many hours on the river and on their houseboat, named “School’s Out” in honor of Carol’s summers free from teaching.

Ed held a number of sales positions in the area as well as a position at G. Heileman Brewery. When he and Carol were both in their 50s, they purchased an orchard in Nodine, MN, which they named “Apple Hill Orchard”. He and Carol sold many varieties of apples to area stores and weekly at the Saturday Farmers Market in La Crosse. Their outgoing personalities (along with their freely given samples) drew loyal customers each week.

Ed had a strong interest in western art leading to his own work in oil painting. Over the years he painted numerous western scenes, horses and cowboys, as well as general landscapes.  His favorite artist was Howard Terpning, best known for his Native American art. Ed was also a very big fan of the Green Bay Packers and WI Badgers. Ed had a strong love for animals, especially dogs, and had two pet schnauzers, Shy and Trapper. Carol and Ed loved playing a variety of cards with friends and family. Their couples Bridge club met monthly for many years and they appreciated those friendships their entire life.

Ed is survived by his wife of 70 years, Carol (Grady) Jones, sons Tom (Bridget) from La Crescent, MN and Steve (Clare) from Milton, FL.  He is further survived by a granddaughter and her husband, Taylor and Max Nimmo (Appleton, WI) and their three year old son M.J., as well as cousin Bob (Mary Jane) Nelson of Holcomb, WI and their daughters Jan(Larry)Werner and Joanne (Cail Brown) and their families. Ed also cherished time spent with all of his nieces and nephews and many called him Uncle Eddie.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Walter and Leona Jones, Carol’s parents Bill and Edna Grady; brothers Bill (Donna) Jones and John (Joanne) Jones; brother-in-law Norm (Audrey) Grady; sisters-in-law Ruth (Perle Crary); and Joan (Jim Mailey). He was also preceded in death by dear niece Meg Jones and nephews Keith Crary and David Mailey.

The Jones Family would like to thank the wonderful staff of the 400 Wing of Bethany Riverside for their care of Ed over these past four years.  We are grateful to Vickie, Chelsea, Chandra, Katie and the rest of the amazing staff.  We also would like to thank the team from Gundersen Lutheran Hospice. They helped to make Ed’s last week of life comfortable and also provided immense support to the family. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 15th, at First Presbyterian Church, La Crosse, WI, preceded by visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Schumacher Kish is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church of La Crosse or Kaitlin’s Table at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation.