George Francis Reilly

Longtime resident of Saint Anthony Park and Roseville, MN and Green Valley, AZ, passed away at the age of 90.

George was a devoted husband, dad, and grandpa; a proud Minnesotan; a weekend golfer; a long-suffering Vikings fan; a U of M booster; and a diehard Democrat.

George was an accomplished public speaker, debater, and amateur actor in high school, college, and graduate school, winning national awards in public speaking and debate. He earned a bachelor's degree from Illinois College and a graduate degree at South Dakota State University. There he met Dadee Bruce, the love of his life. They wed in December 1957 and remained married for 66 years, until Dadee's death in 2024.

After teaching for two years at William and Mary in Virginia, George received a full scholarship from the University of Minnesota Law School, which he gratefully accepted. He and Dadee with infant daughter, Laura, in tow, moved to Minnesota in 1961, where they made their home for the next 64 years. Daughter Tressa was born in 1967.

George graduated with high honors from the U of M Law School and joined the Leonard, Street and Deinard law firm, where he remained for his 46-year legal career, working in commercial law as well as serving as managing partner. His tenure with Leonard Street was briefly interrupted when George was Chief Deputy Attorney General for Minnesota.

In retirement, he enjoyed being a board member for The Bentson Foundation. Every Monday for decades, George and his gang of lifelong friends could be found at Manning's Sports Bar, discussing the state of the world.

George and Dadee traveled widely well into their late 80s. For the last 25 years, they spent winters in Arizona, where they had many friends, but nothing could induce them to leave Minnesota for long.

George is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dadee; parents, Jim and Hilda Reilly; brothers, Harry and Bob Reilly; brothers-in-law, Tom Vogl and Bill Shramek; nephew, David Reilly; and many dear friends.

He is survived by his daughters, Laura (Martin) Roller and Tressa Reilly; his grandchildren, Dan Roller (Carla O'Connell) and Emma (Alex) Schoenhard; his sisters, Pat Shramek and Kathleen Vogl; sisters-in-law, Mary Anne Reilly and Geraldine Reilly; and his cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 2 PM Saturday, November 22 at Midland Hills Country Club, 2001 Fulham Street Roseville, MN. Please RSVP to lrroller58@gmail.com by November 17.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Duluth Regional Care Center, 5629 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN 55807.