08/22/2026
Reymann Foundation members and family are remembering our Uncle Joe, born on this day in 1903. Joseph A. Reymann was the third of the Reymann sixteen children. We are also remembering our Aunt Mary, born on this day in 1908. Mary Reymann Lindsay was the fifth of Charles and Salome’s children. And, we are remembering our Uncle Vince, born on this day in 1915. Vincent Robert Reymann was the tenth of the children.
Uncle Joe had two sons and several grandchildren. As a child, Joe was one of the older Reymann children. In the early days their house on Sherman Street in Akron filled rapidly with happy children and newly arriving European relatives. These relatives could not speak English, so Joe learned to speak German. With the family's move to the larger house in Ellet, the outdoors was the brothers' domain, and the chores were numerous. The cows were the most prized, and Joe's job was the top job, expert milker.
Joe, along with several other brothers, worked for the San Hygene Mattress Company, which had been cofounded by Charles and Salome Reymann in 1908. In 1934, Charles asked Joe to take over the company that was nearing bankruptcy. With his expertise, the factory survived the depression, grew in assets and stayed above water during World War II by winning government contracts to make mattresses and mosquito netting.
Joe lived his life serving his church, his family and his community. He was active at St. Bernard’s Church, was a tournament bridge player and an avid golfer. He was a meticulous record keeper, living modestly but being generous to others. He is remembered by his many nieces and nephews as the uncle who took delight in giving out brand-new dollar bills at the Reymann Christmas parties. A niece recalls, after his death at 89 years old, emptying out her uncle’s car and discovering that the last music he listened to while driving was an Elvis Presley tape. You rocked, Uncle Joe!
Aunt Mary and her husband, our Uncle Johnny, had two daughters and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary was a lifelong resident of Akron, Ohio. She was a member of St. Sebastian Church, the Sanctuary Society and past-president of the Little Flower Garden Shop. She had a gift for growing flowers and plants of all kinds.
As a child, Mary was always eager for a challenge. She withstood many pranks from her older brothers. She was a good student and was the first of the Reymann children to attend St. Vincent High School. She achieved excellent grades and, in so doing, established high standards for her numerous siblings who were to follow her. She attended business college and then studied a relatively new field, radiology. She became one of the first X-ray technicians in this new profession.
Mary met her future husband, John Lindsay, on a blind date arranged by her friends. Their romance thrived but the Depression delayed their wedding plans. When the young couple decided to “tie the knot”, John asked Charles for his permission. On a beautiful June day, they were married at Annunciation Church.
Uncle Vince and his wife Elinor, our Aunt Bucky, had five children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Vince was the oldest of the Reymann brothers to serve in World War II. He was also the only husband and father, being the father of two children when he served. He had the distinction of being the only one of his brothers to fight in Europe, where he reached the rank of Buck Sergeant with the 666 Artillery Battalion. His battalion was attached to Patton’s Third Army for the Battle of the Bulge.
All the Reymann children had chores. Salome bought young Vince a pair of overalls and instructed him in gardening. Happy little Vince enjoyed the work and quickly turned into a natural. This earned him the nickname of “Farm” by his brothers. In later life he put this skill to use when, while on leave in Alsace, France during World War II, he visited relatives who also quickly put him to work in their gardens. Again, he loved the work.
After the service, Vince worked along with several other brothers for the San Hygene Mattress Company. His first job there was as a janitor. He later became vice president.
Vince was a longtime member of St. Sebastian’s Parish and served many years on The Charles and Salome Reymann Foundation Board. He was an avid golfer and bridge player, but particularly loved fishing in Canada. Uncle Vince was an honorable and caring man. He always showed tremendous loyalty and unconditional love.
