Brain was a great guy, I learned a lot from him over the years! He will be definitely be missed. Thoughts and prayers to your entire family.
Brian K. Reuss

Brian K. Reuss, 61, of Marissa, IL, born June 23, 1959 in Red Bud, IL, passed away on Sunday October, 25, 2020 at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Brian was a recently retired electrician, having served 41 years at the Baldwin Power Plant. He was enjoying post-retirement work driving a semi. Brian enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, hunting, fishing and trapshooting. If someone needed something done and he could do it, it got done. A jack of all trades, there wasn’t much he couldn’t do. He could often be found working on the family farm, which he loved. Brian was a very devoted Christian and loving husband, dad, grandpa, and so much more. He was an Elder at the Marissa Presbyterian Church and a member of the New Athens Sportsmen’s Club.
He was preceded in death by his stillborn sons Joshua Eric and Caleb Matthew Reuss.
Brian is survived by his parents; Elden and Marilyn (Church) Reuss of Marissa, IL, his loving wife; Laurie K. (Sigman) Reuss of Marissa, IL who he married on August 7, 1992 in Marissa, IL, 1 daughter; Renee (Andrew) Birk of Red Bud, IL, 1 son; Matthew (Rachael) Reuss of Sparta, IL, 1 granddaughter; Avery Birk of Red Bud, IL and 1 brother Larry (Chris) Reuss of New Athens, IL, many nieces and nephews, other relatives and his many friends.
Memorials in Brian’s honor may be made to the Marissa Presbyterian Church.
Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com.
Visitation: Friends may call on Friday, October 30, 2020 at Marissa Presbyterian Church in Marissa between 9 AM and 12 PM.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, facemasks will be required while in the building and the family asks that all visitors and guests observe social distancing and try to refrain from physical contact as best as you can.
Funeral: Services will be held at 12 PM on Friday, October 30, 2020 at Marissa Presbyterian Church in Marissa, IL with Rev. James Ryan officiating. Burial will follow at Marissa TWP Cemetery.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL is in charge of arrangements.
70 Comments
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Darren Liefer on 10/29/2020 at 9:49 am
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robert mudd on 10/29/2020 at 10:19 am
Laurie and Renee you have my deepest sympathy. Brian was one of my favorite co-workers.
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Marty Miller on 10/29/2020 at 11:29 am
Dear Ruess family, I’m very sorry for your loss, we at the Baldwin Power Plant all know Brian was a great benefit to this world, a kind and honest person who we were lucky to work around. I pray that The Lord Jesus will comfort your family with eternal hope as you mourn, with His promise that, “Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” (Isaiah 57:2) and, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18) amen
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Judy Berowski on 10/29/2020 at 12:39 pm
Elden, Marilyn and all family members – So very sorry to learn today of the tragic passing of Brian. Take comfort in knowing that he is in the care of the angels.
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Allan Shaw on 10/29/2020 at 12:51 pm
Your family is in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Larry Schneider on 10/29/2020 at 1:43 pm
So very sorry to hear about Brian. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Brian was a good man and a pleasure to be around. Larry and Donna
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JoAnna and Darold Wilson on 10/29/2020 at 6:31 pm
Reuss Family, My Deepest Sympathy to your Family.
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Mark Laurent on 10/29/2020 at 6:49 pm
Laurie and family
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I have never been much for words in situations like this but believe me you have my deepest sympathy….Brian and I were together at the power plant together for appox 40 years and as someone else said …he always had a smile….only ONE of the things we can all remember him by…..
Mark and Ann Laurent -
Gary & Bonnie Williams on 10/30/2020 at 8:36 am
Laurie and family our deepest sympathy to you all. Brian was a very good man. I know he will be missed. Gary & Bonnie Williams.
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john sronce on 10/30/2020 at 8:51 am
Laurie i am so saddened by your loss , Brian was a great guy and and always had a smile on his face ,even in the parking lot of the Harley dealer in Peoria while we hammered out his front rim, never forget that. Crystal and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.
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John and Nancy Vincent on 10/31/2020 at 5:44 pm
Brian was the type of coworker that easily earned a person’s respect and admiration, and I sincerely believe this world was a better place with him in it. He”ll be greatly missed.
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Sheryl Cox Smith on 10/31/2020 at 6:44 pm
To the entire Reuss family I extend my deepest sympathy. I went to High School with Brian. He was a kind, happy soul. My prayers are going out to you.
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To the entire Reuss family I extend my deepest sympathy. I went to High School with Brian. He was a kind, happy soul. My prayers are going out to you.
Brian was the type of coworker that easily earned a person’s respect and admiration, and I sincerely believe this world was a better place with him in it. He”ll be greatly missed.
Laurie i am so saddened by your loss , Brian was a great guy and and always had a smile on his face ,even in the parking lot of the Harley dealer in Peoria while we hammered out his front rim, never forget that. Crystal and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Laurie and family our deepest sympathy to you all. Brian was a very good man. I know he will be missed. Gary & Bonnie Williams.
Laurie and family
I have never been much for words in situations like this but believe me you have my deepest sympathy….Brian and I were together at the power plant together for appox 40 years and as someone else said …he always had a smile….only ONE of the things we can all remember him by…..
Mark and Ann Laurent
Reuss Family, My Deepest Sympathy to your Family.
So very sorry to hear about Brian. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Brian was a good man and a pleasure to be around. Larry and Donna
Your family is in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Elden, Marilyn and all family members – So very sorry to learn today of the tragic passing of Brian. Take comfort in knowing that he is in the care of the angels.
Dear Ruess family, I’m very sorry for your loss, we at the Baldwin Power Plant all know Brian was a great benefit to this world, a kind and honest person who we were lucky to work around. I pray that The Lord Jesus will comfort your family with eternal hope as you mourn, with His promise that, “Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” (Isaiah 57:2) and, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18) amen
Laurie and Renee you have my deepest sympathy. Brian was one of my favorite co-workers.
Brain was a great guy, I learned a lot from him over the years! He will be definitely be missed. Thoughts and prayers to your entire family.
To Laurie, Eldon, Marilyn, Larry, Chris, Brian’s children and entire family I’d like to express my deepest sympathy. I was very saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. I’ve always liked Brian and even though we hadn’t seen a lot of each other over the years I’ve always considered him a friend. I have some fond memories of riding motorcycles with him in the passed. My Mother said that Eldon gave her a cigar when he was born. She was 19 and it was the first cigar she’d ever gotten. Brian was a Awesome Guy and will be Greatly missed.
Lee and Lori Sinn
Laurie, Renee, & Matthew, my heart is weeping for you all during this sad time. Sometimes life is so difficult to understand. I pray God gives you all the strength to get through the upcoming days… A saying I once saw;
“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our loss ones pours through and shines down upon us, letting us know they are happy”.
Dear, Laurie, Matthew, Renee, Eldon, Marilyn, Larry,
Brian was such a pleasant person to be around. We enjoyed talking to him about most any subject. He made SS Class meaningful and apply to real life. He was a great example of a Husband, Father and Leader. He will be sorely missed, but look forward to seeing him in Heaven one day. Our prayers and thoughts are will you.
Laurie, Rene & Matthew and family, We cannot even come up with words that will or can express to you our sorrow or for us to understand the depth of your sorrow. Brian was an AMAZING husband and father and friend and man. God only calls home the BEST. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time as you say goodbye to Brian your beloved Husband and Father. We know that he died a happy man knowing he was blessed and truly loved while he was here on earth. So sorry for you loss. Mike & Angie Liefer
Dear Reuss Family, My empathy and prayers for comfort go out to you. As one of Brian’s former teachers, I can only say kind and complimentary thing about him. He was any parents’ pride and joy. .. a kind, personable , musically talented fellow. After school years, I watched him play in his church orchestra, help others through his own goodness and Prairie State’s, and when I’d occasionally see him as a father. His Christian goodness will be sorely missed by family and friends. Heaven is rejoicing and welcoming him, as we cry and miss his presence.
Dear Reuss Family,
I am so saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. So many memories of sitting next to him in band. He was the best alto-sax player I had ever heard, and he “secretly” let me beat him in tryouts so that I could sit first chair my senior year. Always very kind, giving and happy. He always took the time to catch up after church service during my visits back home. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Our deepest sympathy.
Mitzi (Wallace) Worrick and Brian
To Rene, Andy, and all of Brian’s family and friends, we extend our deepest sympathy. The condolences written tell the us that Brian loved his family and lived a Christian life, giving his best to all that knew him. We wish comfort to all his loved ones as they grieve his passing. Hugs to all.
SO sad to hear of Brian`s passing , very well respected just a great guy and fellow employee. My sympathy and prayers to you and your families. God speed. Mark and Barb Ratz
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to the entire family. Our hearts hurt for you all during this most difficult time. May the love, memories and blessings of your time together bring you comfort. Lean on each other and hold each other close.
Sending our deepest sympathy. So sorry this happened. He was a very kind person, the few times we talked. Prayers for you Laurie and your family.
DEAR LAURIE, WE JUST LEARNED OF THE LOSS OF YOUR DEAR HUSBAND. PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ARE LIFTING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY UP IN OUR PRAYERS. HE IS HOLDING BRIAN IN HIS EVERLASTING ARMS.
Dear Laurie and family,
So sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. I could hardly believe it when I heard. I remember what a nice guy he was and his wonderful smile.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mary Light
Laurie and Family, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Firstly we are so very sorry for your loss as your grief must be considerable. Secondly we apologize for not being able to make the trip for the services to adequately pay our respects and convey to you our sympathies. Please understand that you are in our thoughts during such an unexpectedly difficult time. Take care. With much love Jonathan, Jennifer, Isabella, and Cooper Lehman
Laurie & Family- condolences from another power plant member. Still to this day whenever I thought of Brian, the smile was the first thing that pops into my mind. Take care.
Laurie and family;
So sorry to hear about Brian. You all have our deepest sympathy. He was a great guy!
Dean and Teresa Linders
So very sorry for your loss. Keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs to Laurie and Renee.
Laurie & family, please know that you’re in our prayers. Brian was such a great person to work with at the plant, and made our workplace so much better for all by his caring attitude, dedication, and hard work. We were blessed to have him as a part of our team.
Laurie, Renee, Matthew, Elden and Marilyn . . . and family, I simply cannot fathom the grief you are feeling in these moments, but Nancy and I and our family stand with you in this time. Our prayers are for God’s Love and Comfort to surround and uphold you all. We will never understand the ‘why’ of all of this in these days, but our faith – as was Brian’s faith – is firmly rooted in the One who rolls a stone away from the tomb, the One who holds in tenderness what it means to lose a Son before His time, the One who transform such grief and anger into Life. May you experience God’s Holy Spirit tending to your every tear in the presence of friends and family who surround you, now and always. God’s Unending Mercy and Grace, my friends.
Jim and Sarah Birk.
Such a tragedy! We will have you and your family in our prayers. We send our deepest sympathy.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family
Deepest sympathy to Brian’s family and especially to you Laurie. Brian was a great guy.
Dear Elden, Marilyn & Family,
There are no words to adequately express my profound sadness for you all. My earliest childhood memories include your wonderful family, and both Larry & Brian were just the nicest neighborhood boys. Over the years and across the miles your family has always held a special place in my heart. In reading so many beautiful condolences that have been written here on this page it’s easy to see, and not surprising at all that Brian was beloved by everyone who knew him. I’m praying that God will give you peace and comfort in knowing that Brian is in the loving arms of Jesus.
With love & deepest sympathy,
Marian Antry
Thoughts and prayers to all of you! Brian was great co- worker whom I also called my friend. He will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Brian was a great guy and will be sadly missed.
Jan (Koudela) and Don Kezely
Laurie and family
So very sorry to hear of this news.
On the last day, before Brian retired, he told me how very happy he was and the plans he was making.
It was always a pleasure talking to him
You will be in our thoughts and prayers
Mary and Craig Althoff
Eldon and Marilyn – While I did not personally know your son, I am sure that with you as his parents he was one of the best. To the both of you, his wife, children, granddaughter, brother and other family, Ken and I send our deepest sympathy. May your memories and love give you strength and peace. Ken and Sherri Wildt
Dear Laurie, I am so sorry for your loss of Brian. My heart breaks with you. You and Brian have a love that will last through eternity. ❤️
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers❣️
Laurie, you have our deepest sympathy. We were so sorry to hear about Brian. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jeff and Lucinda Kaesberg
Sympathy and prayers to Brian’s family. Seems like the Good Lord only takes the
best. Hugs to all of you. We are thinking of you.
So sorry for your family’s loss .
Reuss family sending our deepest sympathy to you all.
Brain was a great guy never a dull moment always had a smile on his face he was such a sweet person he will be truly missed. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss Laurie! You and your family have our sincere condolences we will remember all of you In our prayers.
Laurie, Renee, Matthew & all your family, You have our deepest sympathy, love, thoughts & prayers during this difficult time of losing your loved one. Brian was a good man & friend to many! May God grant you comfort, peace & understanding now and in the days ahead! We are sure it is a comfort to you just knowing you will be with him again someday! 🙏🙏
Eldon, Marilyn and family
We just heard of the accident. We are saddened to hear of it. Herry and Sharon Cross
Blessed be God for the glorious hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Together forever with the Lord!
So sorry to hear about your loss. Peggy and I are very sad about it. Our prayers are to you and your family. God’s blessings. 🙏
We were so sorry to hear this news. I met Brian at the power plant and later our sons played baseball together. He was kind, nice, and always smiling. Please know are continued prayers and hugs are with you all.
My deepest sympathy to the Reuss family in your loss. It is heartbreaking that Brian was taken so suddenly. Praying that you feel God’s presence, comfort and strength during this difficult time. Hold your memories close. He will always be near in your hearts.
Amy Lee
Laurie, Danny and I are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are broken for you and your children . We are praying for the Lord to comfort you as only He can.
Laurie, We are so sorry for your loss, Brian was a good man, I enjoyed working with him for so many years, our condolences to you and your family.
My deepest sympathy to Laurie and your family. You both were always a joy to be around.
Laurie, Renee. Matthew and Avery your husband and father and grandfather will be sorely missed. He was always so pleasant and such a fun loving man. I loved how he made you so happy. You will see him again.
What a tragic loss for such a sweet and caring family. Your faith will be needed in this difficult time! Hugs to ALL of you!
Deepest sympathy to Brian’s family. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him.
Laurie, Renee and Family, Matthew and Family, Eldon and Marilyn and Larry and Family,
Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers for each of you. May God comfort you during this difficult time and the days to come.
We have many cherished memories from years past spent with Brian. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by so many.
Lonnie and Julie Hurst
My deepest sympathy. Brian was a great guy of many talents and adored his family.
Will keep you in my prayers.
Dear Reuss Family,
I am so terribly sorry about Brian’s passing. He was always smiling when I saw him. Such a nice person. Words fail me, but know that I will be praying for him, and for all of you. May God grant you the Peace that only He can give.
Laurie, Renee, Matthew and the whole Reuss family.
I’m sending this with deepest sympathy. It is so hard to believe. Time goes by and you don’t see everyone the way you wish you could. But they have put a permanent mark on your heart. I will always remember that Brian was such a kind, loving and funny man. He was the first person to hold my son Matthew when he came home from the hospital. Laurie you are in my prayers today and in the rough days to come. Sending love & hugs.
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers. May God’s comfort find you during this difficult time.
To all the Reuss family, so sorry for your loss. I hope he enjoyed the long awaited retirement. We had a lot of good work and personal years together. Sorry I didn’t stay in touch after his retirement. A good friend I’m glad I always had.
Oh my how sorry to hear this news. We are thinking of all of you . Praying for a sweet peace that only Jesus can give. Hugs. Love Stan ad Bev
Laurie, sorry to hear about Brian. You have Peggy and my sympathies and prayers. Terrible loss. God bless you all.
Dear Eldon, Marilyn, Laurie, Matthew, Renee, Larry and the rest of the family,
I cant begin to know what you all are going through or feeling but please know how terribly sorry I am for your loss. Ive known Brian since 1st grade and went all 12 years of school with him! He was such a nice, kind, caring man. I always enjoyed catching up at our class get togethers. Please know that I will be keeping everyone in my daily prayers! Much love and hugs!
Pamela Sinn Hargan
Class of 1977
Laurie and the Reuss family, my deepest sympathy to you all. I had the pleasure to work with Brian and Laurie at the power plant, Brian for all my 40 years there and will always have fond memories of our time together. We just talked on Thursday and it was good to hear how happy he was since his retirement, his death was such a shock to me to hear the news. Doug and Tammy Herman
My deepest sympathy to the Reuss family!
Sending love and hugs to all of you! Brian was an awesome friend! He will be missed by all who knew him! Gary and Dena Vasquez