Nicholas J. "Nick" Reyes

Nicholas Junior “Nick” Reyes, 90, of Bettendorf, died Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family following a brief yet courageous battle with cancer.

A Memorial Mass for Nick will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 1, 2025, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport. The family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass in the gathering space at the Cathedral. Keeping with Nick’s wishes, his earthly remains were donated to the University of Iowa for research purposes. Burial at the Rock Island National Cemetery with military honors will take place at a later date. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Cathedral or Assumption High School.

Nicholas J. Reyes was born on October 16, 1935, in Iowa City, a son of Nicholas and Nellie (Whittaker) Reyes. He graduated from St. Ambrose Academy in 1955 and briefly attended St. Ambrose College. Nick enlisted in the Air Force in 1955 and served until 1959. During his service he was handpicked for President Eisenhower’s Security Team.

Nick was united in marriage to Katherine Ortiz on January 31, 1959, at St Anthony Catholic Church, Davenport. She preceded him in death on November 28, 2000. Nick was united in marriage to Cindy (McAtee) Hill on April 2, 2005, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport.

He worked for Oscar Mayer for 38 years, retiring in 1997.

Nick was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith and an active member of Sacred Heart Cathedral. He was recently recognized for his service with the Campaign for Human Development by the Diocese of Davenport, a cause he served for over 40 years including time spent on the National CCHD Board. Nick was also a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and the LULAC where he was a past president and had been honored with the Man of the Year award.

Nick adored his family and enjoyed coaching his grandchildren’s athletic teams and attending all of their activities and events. He was a founding member of the Rising Knights Football Program where he coached the Rams for many years. Nick also enjoyed fishing, camping, travelling, and playing in senior softball leagues.

Those left to honor Nick’s memory are his wife, Cindy Reyes, Bettendorf: children: Mary Walenga, Davenport, Joe (Wendy) Reyes, Bettendorf, Julie (Rob) Johnson, Moline, Diana (Chuck) Grossman, Rock Island, Patrick (Tina) Reyes, Davenport, Sarah (Glen) VanSant, Davenport, Rob (Christine) Hill, Bettendorf, Joe (Jennifer) Hill, Thousand Oaks, California, and Emily Hill (Ryan Nix), Lompoc, California; grandchildren: Nicholas Reyes, Justin Reyes, both of Davenport, Brandon (Lynn) Reyes, Bettendorf, Tyler (Ambrea) Reyes, Columbia, Missouri, Logan (Teah) DePover, Solon, Iowa, Marshall (Haylee) DePover, Davenport, Hannah DePover, Iowa City, Iowa, Katie (Jason) Steege, Waverly, Iowa, Amanda VanSant (Shawn Gahagan), Josh VanSant, all of Davenport, and Bradley, Erin, and Connor Hill, Bettendorf; great-grandchildren: Isabelle, Oscar, Gabriella, Justin, Jr., Ruby, Sofia, Audie, Mila, Lou, Edie, Addie, Chase, and Gracelyn, siblings: Bob, John, and Frank Reyes, Betty Carrillo, Theresa Creviston, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, as well as his best furry boy, Solo.

In addition to his wife, Katherine, he was preceded in death by his parents, several siblings, and his beloved dog, Cubbie.