Robert T. Reif

Robert Theodore Reif, age 91, was welcomed home to the Lord on Thanksgiving Day. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.

Bob was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Albert E. Reif and Cunera Van Heesch Reif. He lived in various small communities, then returned to Milwaukee at the age of 9 after his father's untimely death. Bob graduated from South Division High School, having excelled in academics, football, track, wrestling, music and student government. 

In 1951, Bob attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a student-athlete. He studied Secondary Science Education, earned four varsity letters in wrestling, and was chosen Captain in his senior year. Bob's love for wrestling continued throughout his life, as he served as head coach at Madison East High School for 11 years, a high school and college referee for 28 years, and maintained strong ties to the UW Alumni Wrestling Association. 

During 1955-56, Bob taught science and coached multiple sports at DeForest High School, before entering the Army in July 1956. He felt fortunate that most of his two-year tour with the Field Artillery Unit was spent in Germany, and that following his marriage to the love of his life, Rita Murray, they were able to spend their first year together in Europe. 

From 1958-69, Bob taught biology and coached wrestling at Madison East High School, and served as Assistant Principal from 1969-78, all while earning his MA and PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1978, Bob was appointed Principal of LaFollette High School. Working with an outstanding faculty, staff, and student body, he oversaw the selection of LaFollette as one of the first Schools of Excellence in Wisconsin. 

After 13 years as Principal, Bob retired from the Madison Metropolitan School District, but continued with educational consulting. Knowing he had more to contribute, Bob then joined the Edgewood College Education Department in 1994. For 17 years, he taught, advised, and supervised student teachers, as well as prospective principals and superintendents enrolled in the Educational Leadership Program. These years were among the most satisfying of his 57-year educational career.

Since retiring in 2011, Bob's interests included high school and UW athletics, golf, tennis, running, gardening, woodworking, volunteering at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, and visiting and caring for friends in need. 

Bob was most proud of his four children, 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Rita, children Bobbi (Cliff) Acheson, Robin (Steve) Alterman, Renee (John) Farkas, and Ron (Paula) Reif. Grandchildren Robin (Jason) McDaniel, Kailin (David) Jones, Michelle (Mike) Oppeneer, Bennett (Allison Hill) Farkas, Allison Alterman, Luke (Carina) Farkas, Austin Reif, Cappy Alterman, Grace Reif and Lauren Farkas. Great-grandchildren Caleb, Abigail and Kaitlin McDaniel, Isaiah, Jace and Camden Oppeneer, Lily and Dax Jones and Callaway Farkas. Sister, Donna Wittke, and many dear cousins, nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brother Al Reif. 

Memorials in Bob's honor may be directed to the Edgewood College Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program. Gifts can be made payable and mailed to Edgewood College, Advancement Office, 1000 Edgewood College Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, or by selecting the designation of Emerging Leaders online at www.edgewood.edu/give/give-now. 

A visitation to remember Bob will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, 1:30-4:00pm at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705.

We welcome you to share your thoughts and memories on Robert's Tribute Wall. 

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 

3610 Speedway Road

Madison, WI 53705

(608) 238-3434