Fairbury- Anthony J. Reis, 41, of Normal, passed away at 11:56 am, August 16, 2026, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center Normal.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, August 22 2026, at St. John’s Catholic Church Fairbury. Fr. Scott Archer will be officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Fairbury.

A visitation will be held 4-8 pm Friday, August 21 2026, at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury.

Rosary will be recited at 3:15 pm Friday, also at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to SELCAS or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Anthony was born on June 7, 1985, the son of John B. and Jan Ellen Ricketts Reis. They survive. He married Mercedes Smith on October 20, 2018. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, Jackson and Charlie Reis at home; mother-in-law, Jennifer (Reid) Butler, of LeRoy; father-in-law, Michael (Camellia) Smith of Sarasota, FL; paternal grandmother, Rosie Reis, of Fairbury; siblings, Andrew (Lori) Reis, Alexander (Alexandria) Reis, Anna Reis, and Katie (Ethan) Wells, all of Fairbury.

He was preceded in death by, maternal grandparents, Lyle and Mary Ruth Ricketts; paternal grandfather John Reis II; brother, John B. Reis IV; and sister Elizabeth GuoDan Reis.

Tony received his Bachelors of Science Degree, and continued to earn his Masters Degree in College Student Personnel Administration at Illinois State University.

As of June, Tony was the Food Service Administrator in Events, Dining, and Hospitality, at ISU. Tony took pride in his job, mentoring and teaching students.

When Tony was younger, he was a State Qualifier in Wrestling in eighth grade and his senior year at Prairie Central.

He was a true sports fan at heart, enjoying all sports, but especially cheering on the Chicago Bears. He loved golfing, football, UFC, and the excitement of fantasy football drafts. He had a sharp, quick-witted sense of humor, and a way of making people laugh, that those who knew him would never forget. Throughout his life, he created lifelong friendships and cherished the people who became like family to him.

Above all, he was a caring and amazing dad, who treasured time with his wife and boys. Some of his happiest moments were spent outdoors with his family, making memories.

He will be deeply missed and remembered forever by those who had the privilege of knowing him.