David M. Reed

David M. “Dave” Reed, 69, of Beloit, Wisconsin, passed away on March 13, 2026, at Beloit Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family after a short battle with lung cancer.

Born on October 18, 1956, in Beloit, Dave was the son of William Raymond and Florence Belle (Rawson) Reed. A graduate of Clinton High School, he married the love of his life, Karen Louise Gearing, on May 3, 1975. For fifty years they shared a deep and enduring partnership filled with laughter, shared adventures, and quiet devotion.

Dave worked at Beloit Corporation and later at Pro Arc in Loves Park, Illinois, always with the goal of providing for the family he cherished. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved deer hunting, fishing, and ice fishing, though he happily set aside his hunting rifle the November his first grandchild, Mikayla, was born. A devoted collector of all things Willie Nelson, he found his greatest joy in simple times spent with those he loved—camping, barbecues, working on cars and woodworking projects, and cutting wood to heat the house alongside his youngest daughter, his cherished “birthday present” and lifelong tomboy. He also treasured evenings at bingo with Karen by his side.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Karen; his children, Tammy (Rob) Seidemann and Rebecca (Joshua) Harrington; grandchildren Mikayla Perring, Katherine and Stephen Seidemann; great-grandchildren Serena, Scarlette, Damien, and Xander; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and in-laws who will carry his memory forward. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Cynthia Mulholland, his brother William Reed, and several other dear family members and friends.