Gregory Emil Reiland

Gregory Emil Reiland, of Eden Prairie, died unexpectedly on April 10, 2024, at the age of 71, from a sudden heart-related issue while in Naples, Florida.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Donna Reiland (Gremelsbach). He is survived by his wife, Carol Rueppel; daughter, Melanie Reiland; granddaughters, Claire and Caroline Overmoen; sister, Mary Helen Reiland; and nephew and nieces, Brian, Michelle, and Marissa Cline.

Greg was born in Winona, Minnesota, and grew up on a farm outside of Altura, Minnesota. Greg attended St. John’s University in Collegeville and the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, where he studied philosophy and psychology. He was an intellectual at heart and cherished intense, meaningful discussions with his teachers and friends, which built on his thirst for knowledge and conversation.

In 1972, he married Bonnie Reiland (Bartsch) and moved to Minneapolis. His daughter Melanie was born in 1973. Greg had a gift for storytelling and persuasion. He found his way into sales through his first jobs selling Time-Life Books and Bradley kit cars.

Given his gift for phone sales, a friend convinced him to get his securities licenses and learn the brokerage business. He quickly enjoyed success as a broker for himself and his clients. He started at Piper Jaffray and retired from Feltl in 2023. He retained many clients for more than 35 years in his career. He was respected for the research and diligence he put into investments that helped his clients thrive.

Greg loved the outdoors and enjoyed nothing more than riding his bike along the wooded trails around Minneapolis. He enjoyed skiing in Minnesota during the winters and walking around Lake Harriet in the summers. He enjoyed the changes of seasons in Minnesota and especially loved the beauty of autumn.

In 2007, he married Carol Rueppel and moved to Eden Prairie. Together, they shared their love of the outdoors. He liked to cook and was known for his specialties of spaghetti, chili, and wild rice dishes. He never used a recipe, relying instead on experimentation and taste.

In his later years, Greg spent winters in Naples, Florida, with Carol, enjoying the sunsets, taking long walks, and especially playing bridge. He dedicated himself to mastering the game. He took lessons, studied a dozen books, and joined bridge groups in both Naples and Eden Prairie.

Greg’s greatest joy was spending time with family. He supported his family by attending his daughter’s and granddaughters’ sporting events, school activities, and dance performances. He also loved animals, starting with his beloved dogs and his horse as a boy to his last cat, Chloe, who was his best buddy. Greg was honest and loyal and loving. He will be deeply missed.

There will be a celebration of life this summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley, or the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska.