Delbert Clarence Reisner, age 94, a long-time resident and business owner of Anacortes, Washington, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 24, 2023.

Del was born to Theodore and Lola (Boeckenheuer) Reisner on January 12, 1929 in Hawkeye, Iowa. He grew up on farms where cows, pigs, chickens, and corn were raised. His family moved to West Union, Iowa, during his sophomore year, and he was proud to have graduated from high school as Top Ten in the Class of 1947. He made many steadfast friends there. Before utilizing his football scholarship to Upper Iowa University, he and a buddy decided to travel West on their Harleys. In Montana, they met a guy who said Del needed to keep going to the ocean to meet his cousin. Del wasn't impressed with the ocean, but sparks flew when he met Donna Baher of Coupeville. They dated, but they had to wait until Donna was of age to marry, so he returned to Iowa to work, and they wrote letters to each other. When he returned, he proposed, and they married on June 11, 1950.

Early on, Del worked various jobs such as assembly-line work at Boeing, starting up a lumber yard with Donna's brother, starting up a bread delivery business from bakery to homes, being employed as a fireman, and then driving a heating oil delivery truck. Del was offered the opportunity to buy the heating oil business when his boss retired and thus began Reisner Distributor, Inc., a family business based out of Anacortes, which celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2018. Throughout his career, Del Reisner was a successful businessman and entrepreneur, changing with the times and delving into real estate ventures. Del was known to family, friends, and business associates in his interactions as a person who genuinely cared about each and every one. Additionally, Del loved his hometown and served the community for 10 years as Port Commissioner for Port of Anacortes.

Del and Donna spent most of their married life living in Anacortes and raising five children. Being together as a family was important to them. Family get-togethers always centered around meals, whether it be at the beach, a park, or home.

Del and Donna always enjoyed traveling both nationally and internationally. Later on, they appreciated heading to warmer weather during the winter and Palm Springs, California, became their location of choice. Many family celebrations, which included their golf community friends, were celebrated there, including their 50th anniversary, Donna's 80th birthday, and Del's 90th birthday.  Quite a feat when up to 40 immediate family members would fly down from Washington and beyond to plan, decorate and celebrate those occasions with them!

Just before Donna passed, Del and Donna celebrated their 65th anniversary, and the entire family was there to celebrate with them in a restaurant in Anacortes. When his eldest daughter asked Del last week what one thing impacted his life the most, his immediate answer was, "My marriage."  Del and Donna were soul mates who were very devoted to each other and their families.

Del is survived by his five children and their families: Sallie (Reisner) and husband John Hartman of Snohomish; Ted Reisner and wife Barb of Anacortes; Tracy (Reisner) and husband Dan Averill of Anacortes; Kim (Reisner) and husband Greg Higgins of Anacortes; and Kathy (Reisner) and husband Ron Lemon of Birdsview.

Del is also survived by the following grandchildren who attended Anacortes schools: Marisa Hartman of Washington, D.C., Mindy (Hartman) Colson of Weilerbach, Germany, Greg Hartman of Sequim, Kirsten Reisner of Anacortes; Heidi (Reisner) Mills of Anacortes, Sara (Averill) Bailey of Olympia, Christi (Averill) Bender of Stanwood, Alyssa (Averill) Seebeck of Sedro Wooley, and Luke Averill of Ferndale.  Other grandchildren attending Mt. Vernon and Burlington schools include Lisa (Reisner) Nelson of Bow, Chad Schafer of Santa Ana, CA, and Tara Thomas of Puyallup. His large family also includes numerous great-grandchildren, plus nephew-in-law Paul Baher and wife Pegge of Chehalis. He is also survived by his close friend Martha Gillum.

A Graveside Service will be held 1:00 p.m., at Fernhill Cemetery, on Friday, September 29, 2023.  The family welcomes community members wishing to attend to please join them in the celebration of Del Reisner's long and happy life.  To share memories of Del, please sign the online guestbook and bookmark this direct link www.evanschapel.com/obituary/del-reisner for easy return visits.