Reginald "Reggie" Weide

Reginald “Reggie” Weide

September 5, 1947 – November 24, 2023

Madison, WI - Reggie Weide, a beloved soul whose laughter and warmth illuminated countless lives, departed this world on November 24th, 2023. Reggie was a loving husband to Carol, a proud father to Matthew (Leslie), and Gretchen (Bassem), and a doting grandfather to Lucas, Hunter, and Grant. Reggie felt blessed to have many caring and loving relatives and friends.

Reggie was always immensely proud to have grown up on a dairy farm in Oconomowoc, WI. Edward and Virginia raised him, along with his two brothers Curt and Jeff. His early years saw him learning the finer points of fishing and milking dairy cows. In his teens, he thrived in sports like football and baseball. He would also have a true zeal for after-school activities like debate and speech, which he always noted would serve him well later in life.

He then moved away from the farm and met his wife, Carol Townsend. They eventually settled in Madison where he worked as a successful salesperson for decades. He was a cornerstone of Madison in many ways, whether sitting on the board for the Commission for the Environment, promoting the sheepshead scene in Madison, or even conducting the UW marching band. He genuinely loved being a part of the community.

Reggie was a virtuoso of humor, wielding jokes like an artist and infusing gatherings with infectious joy. Before he would start a joke, he would often prompt people that they could “share this with your friends,” ending the joke with his arms wide and an even wider smile.

However, Reggie's passions extended far beyond laughter. He possessed an insatiable love for a multitude of sports, embracing each game with zeal. Whether on the golf course, the card table, or playing table tennis, his competitive spirit was matched only by his persistent optimism for his Badgers and Packers. If it was a game on TV, a grandson’s basketball game, or even a simple foot race, Reggie loved sports.

Yet, it was Reggie's heart of gold that truly defined him. His boundless positivity was a guiding light, offering solace and encouragement to those who crossed his path. He had an extraordinary ability to uplift spirits, offering genuine support and kindness to those in need. His genuine interest in others and willingness to engage total strangers were infectious.

Reggie will be remembered and cherished for his positivity, bright smile, ability to find humor in life, and the love and care he showed to those fortunate enough to be touched by him. Though he will be deeply missed, Reggie's spirit will continue to live on in his jokes and fond recollections of those blessed to know him. We miss you dearly.

A celebration of Reggie's remarkable life will be held from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Cress Funeral and Cremation Service, 3610 Speedway Rd, Madison, WI 53705, on January 13th, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made to the American Heart Association at ttps://ahatribute.funraise.org/fundraiser/carol-weide?x_firstName

Please share your memories here on Reggie's Tribute Wall.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road  Madison