Reynaldo Reyna

Hardworking and loving, Reynaldo Reyna lived a life of devotion to his family. Reynaldo led with his heart in all things, loving unconditionally and steadfastly supporting his family and friends. Super strong, Reynaldo's will to live life to the fullest regardless of its hardships inspired all who were blessed to know him. A wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Reynaldo will long be remembered and so very missed.

1956 proved a year of vibrant growth and hope; This time of hope grew even brighter in the hearts and home of Alfonzo Reyna and Delia Salinas as they welcomed their son Reynaldo to their family on March 10 in Brownsville, Texas.

The fourth of five children, from an early age, Reynaldo learned the value of hard work. Though he grew up in Brownsville, the family traveled around the country as farm workers.

He met and fell in love with Oliva Ruiz when they were teenagers, and they became young parents. The happy couple married on October 25, 1971, and eventually settled in Dowagiac, Michigan, before moving to Kalamazoo.

Having started working at a young age, Reynaldo worked his entire life. Over the years, he worked for Kalamazoo Recyclers, Sparkle Buggy, the City of Kalamazoo, and as a farm laborer, often farming and picking apples, oranges, and even tomatoes. No matter where he was employed, he was well-known for his excellent work ethic and commitment to his family.

Reynaldo always put his family first, especially Olivia. Together, he and Olivia raised five daughters. Lisa, Francis, Amanda, Florinda, and Emily were the centers of their world, and they worked hard to provide them with a loving and supportive home. Reynaldo was the man of the house, the provider of food, clothes, and the roof over their head. A disciplined father and husband, Reynaldo taught his daughters to be strong and persevere in the face of life's challenges. He gave his daughters his backbone, teaching them to stand up for themselves, especially at school. Though the lessons were hard for the girls, as adults, they can clearly see the importance of what he insisted they learn.

Life wasn't all work for Reynaldo. The life of the party, he loved to have family get-togethers, play pool and poker, attend cookouts, watch boxing matches, and hang out with the young ones. A well-dressed man, Reynaldo was always clean, with his hair trimmed and clothes cleanly pressed. He liked getting really dressed up with his Stacey Adams shoes and listening to Tejano music. A big Detroit Lions fan, Reynaldo also kept his cars and bikes well-waxed and expertly detailed. He also was well known for having quite the sweet tooth. Candy and chocolates were a favorite, but no sweet could ever outweigh his love for his mothers home-made tortillas.

Reynaldo treated Oliva like a queen and loved her on his last day just as deeply as when they first met. He loved hanging out with his sons-in-law and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, sharing much love and wise advice. Reynaldo enjoyed traveling, returning to Texas to visit his childhood home and school, and taking trips to Florida, Mexico, and Pennsylvania, which always proved a good time.

A true patriarch, Reynaldo's legacy of hard work and loving devotion to family will long live in the lives of those he so dearly loved. May we find much comfort in our many treasured memories and in the honor of carrying Reynaldo's legacy forward. In each moment we lead with our hearts, face life's uncertainties with faith, confidently navigate challenges, host a get-together, and cheer on our loved one's dreams, we celebrate the countless ways Reynaldo gifted our lives. In this way, we keep Reynaldo's memory alive and inspiring others as he so inspired us.

Reynaldo died in the comfort of his home on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Preceded in death by his brother and 3 sisters, Reynaldo is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Olivia; their daughters, Lisa (Rene) Ruiz, Francis (Jose) Prieto, Amanda Ruiz, Florinda (Arturo) Martinez, and Emily Reyna;19 grandchildren; and, 12 great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but never forgotten.

Life Story Services will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, 269-375-2900; burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo. Celebrate Reynoldo's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com.