Donald K. Rees, D.D.S.
Donald K. Rees passed away peacefully on Friday, February 23, 2024.
Donald was born on 4/2/1931 in Elgin, Illinois to Carl G. and Mildred I. (nee Langhorst) Rees. He married Rae Joan Schwanke on January 7, 1956 in St. John’s Cathedral in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in January of this year. She survives.
He was a graduate of Quincy Notre Dame High School class of 1949. There, he was active in baseball and football. Don had achieved the designation of Eagle Scout. After high school, he went on to further his education beginning first at Quincy College and then Marquette University. It was at Marquette that he met his wife Rae on a blind date arranged by friends. He graduated from Marquette and received his Doctor of Dental Science in 1955. After dental school, Donald was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving with the rank of Captain. While in the service, he and Rae were stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, where Donald was instrumental in Wright-Patterson’s dental clinic. It was at Wright-Patterson that Donald and Rae began their family.
After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Donald and Rae relocated back to Quincy, where he would begin his private dental practice. He first teamed with Dr. James Haffner at 12th and Broadway and later went on to team with Dr. Haffner and Dr. James Reed to form Haffner, Reed and Rees located at 330 North 8th Street. Donald later had a solo practice at the location, and was joined at that location for a time by his son, Dr. Gregg Rees. Donald enjoyed almost 60 years of practicing dentistry until a he experienced a major health event, and he went into retirement in 2014.
Donald was on staff at both St. Mary Hospital and at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. Donald was instrumental in the Adams County Health Department’s Dental Clinic and had served in the past as President. He enjoyed working with and serving his patients in the Tri-State area and felt blessed to make a career out of something that he truly loved to do.
He had been a member of Spring Lake Country Club, the Quincy Country Club, Elk’s Club Lodge, Illinois State Dental Society, T.L. Gilmer Dental Society, and The American Dental Association. Donald was a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. Donald and Rae are of the Catholic faith and had been longtime members of St. Boniface Catholic Church until its closing, where he frequently served as usher.
He was creative and enjoyed a good challenge. He loved woodworking, welding, gardening, and creating something new out of something old. He was a collector of all things, and loved attending yard sales.
He is survived by his wife Rae; his 6 children: Steve Rees of Quincy, Donna Rees (Russell Schleicher) of Fairview Heights, IL, Michael Rees (Marlene) of Simpsonville, SC, Dr. Gregg Rees (Sandy) of Quincy, Duane Rees of Austin, TX, and Jennifer Seals (Jim) of Camp Point. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in-law, and by a granddaughter, Stephanie Rees in infancy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Peter. Entombment will be in Quincy Memorial Park Mausoleum. There is no visitation. In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials are to Bella Ease or Horizons Food Pantry. Service arrangements are in the care of Duker & Haugh Funeral Home.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have very fond memories of Dr. Rees’ warm smile and welcoming spirit when I visited your house with Steve in our high school years. May your hearts be at peace.
I went to St
Boniface with Steve and Donna
So sorry for your loss. Theresa Broemmer Vogt I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers.✝️
sorry to hear of your loss, Gregg
I’m sorry to hear of Dr Don’s passing. I had the opportunity to work for him for twelve years. My condolences go out to his family
Dr Rees was my dentist growing up in Quincy in the 1960’s, 70’s, and early 80’s. I have many memories of going for my checkups at his office at North 8th and Broadway. I was always afraid of going to see my doctor, but never Dr. Rees. He was always so kind, and made me feel at ease. I lived on Park Place, not too far away from his house, and sometimes saw him as I walked or biked in the neighborhood. He was always just as kind when I saw him. May his memory be Eternal, and may God comfort his family and friends (and former patients).
So sorry for your loss. May you and your family feel the peace and love from God at this time of sadness.
Dear Rees family,
In charity, the members of St. Rose will remember and pray for Dr. Rees’ soul.
Michael, may you and your wife find great peace, and we miss having you at St. Rose too.
Paul Geers.
Pres of the Latin mass society.
I first met Dr. Don when i did home care for his parents, many years ago. it was then that I became his patient. later my husband and son were also his patients. He was so kind and gentle, you never had to be afraid. his beautiful smile was very reassuring. In later years,after his retirement, i would see him at the yard sales quite often. I guess he loved going as much as i do. we will miss his smiling face and seeing him load up all his treasures.Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will definitely be missed. Rest in peace Dr. Don.
see above
Sorry for you loss Jennifer. I did not realize Dr. Rees was your father. He was my family dentist for years. I will keep you & your family in my prayers for the coming days, weeks & months.
Dr. Don was my dentist for 50 years, starting when I was 5 in 1960. I agree with every one about his kind and gentle nature. I was never afraid to go to the dentist, and he gave out ice cream cone certificates for a long time. I will always remember him. I am sorry for your loss, may God help you through.
I had the privilege of working with Dr. Rees on his tax returns for a number of years. He was always well prepared and I enjoyed our annual visits until I retired. His smile was always genuine if not a bit mischievous. Hopefully I helped make a difficult time a little less taxing.
God Speed Doc
My Thoughts and Prayers are with you at this difficult time. Don and I had a Special connection that I will never forget. My heart is with you 💕
My thoughts are with you, Rae, Steve, Donna, Mike, Gregg, Duane and Jenny. Your husband and father was a good guy , good neighbor and good dentist. He had a positive impact on many people’s lives. Hope you can feel the strong and positive vibes coming your way from Florida.
My thoughts are with you Rees Family. Hope you can feel the strong and positive vibes coming your way from Florida. Your husband/dad was a good guy, good neighbor, and good dentist He had a positive impact on many people’s lives.
Dear Rea.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Many happy memories of times our families spent together. 💜
Much Love
Steve & Cheryl Brandt
We are remembering Dr. Donald K. Rees with his warm smile and compassionate spirit as he walked the halls of St. Mary Hospital leaving his footprints in the St. Mary Hospital legacy.
The St. Mary Hospital Community sends our deepest sympathy to Dr. Rees’s family & friends.
Jenny, so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed seeing your dad at the hospital. He was always smiling and friendly. I know you will dearly miss him. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.