Jess Preheim

Jess Branton Preheim, 93, of Reedley passed away on January 22, 2015. He was born October 28, 1921 at the family farm near Spivey (Kingman Co.), Kansas to Lydia and Jacob Preheim. Jess was the third of their seven children. The family moved to Reedley in 1933 where Jess attended schools and graduated from Reedley High School in 1939.

Jess joined the state guard in Reedley soon after Pearl Harbor, but later decided to join the US Army. He was sent to a cavalry outfit in Fort Riley, KS. After basic training he was sent to Fort Knox, KY where he was trained to be a tank mechanic with the 9th Armored Division. In 1943 he went overseas, first to England, then France. He landed in Normandy a few days after D Day.

Jess was sent near Bastogne, Belgium in December 1944 and was caught in the surprise attack, the Battle of the Bulge. He was shot in the hip and taken prisoner of war by German troops.

After General George Patton liberated the POWs from Stalag 4F, Jess spent over two years in hospitals. He was awarded the Purple Heart.

The GI Bill changed Jess’ life and he enrolled at San Jose State College where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Horology (watch and clock making). He worked in a watch repair department in Fresno upon graduating.

Jess married his life-time sweetheart, Evaline (Heppner) on March 8, 1952 and together they raised two children. He was incredibly devoted and loved watching his children and grandchildren grow and participate in sports and music.

Preheim’s Jewelry opened in 1956 by Jess and Evaline, and was part of the fabric of Downtown Reedley for 58 years. In addition to his bench work specializing in watch repair and jewelry design, Jess loved the Reedley community. He was a member of the 1st Mennonite Church, served as a board member at Sierra View Homes and was a Rotarian. He loved to tell jokes, play golf, plant flowers and be surrounded by his family.

Jess was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws; two brothers; a brother-in-law; three sister-in-laws; a niece; and his son, Scott Preheim.

He is survived by his loving wife Evaline Preheim; daughter Kristy Preheim and husband Jeff Boers; daughter-in-law Paula Preheim; grandchildren Drew Preheim, Lindsey Preheim Peters (Nic); Carly Weems (Justin) and Ella Y. Preheim Boers. He is also survived by sister-in-law Mae Preheim; brother Kenne Preheim; brother Fred Preheim and wife Helmi; sister Phyllis Mattingly and husband Carl; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held at the 1st Mennonite Church, 1208 L Street, Reedley, CA 93654 on Friday, January 30, 2015 at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that remembrances be made to Sierra View Homes, 1155 E. Springfield Ave., Reedley, CA 93654; or to 1st Mennonite Church, 1208 L Street, Reedley, CA 93654.

Dopkins Reedley Funeral Chapel