Reese Anthony McCoy-Giltner

Reese Anthony McCoy-Giltner, age 24, of Indianapolis, Indiana, and formerly of Mosinee, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on June 17, 2026.

Born on October 29, 2001, to Nora McCoy and Ethan Giltner, born in Tampa, Florida. Reese was a proud 2020 graduate of Mosinee High School. He went on to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he accomplished something truly remarkable—earning two degrees simultaneously: a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government and a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication, and a minor in Creative Writing graduating in May 2024 with a 4.0 on the Dean’s List.

Throughout his college years, Reese threw himself into campus life with the same passion he brought to everything. He served as a Student Government Associate, finding his voice in advocacy and policy. He nurtured his creative soul through the Rising Voices Poetry Club and the Writer's Club, where his words often left rooms quiet and moved and also won writing competitions where his poetry was published. He connected with fellow adventurers through the VGE/Video Game Guild Club and remained actively involved in PAO—always building community wherever he went.

But Reese didn't just study change—he lived it. He was deeply involved in his community, guided by an extraordinary gift for showing up when it mattered most. He ran political campaigns for different candidates here in Wisconsin and Indiana. At the time of his passing, Reese was working for Easterseals in Indianapolis, where he dedicated himself to supporting individuals and families navigating their deepest and heaviest moments and advocating for their needs to better their lives. He had a rare and quiet strength — the kind that didn't need to fill the silence, but simply stayed present, offering steady encouragement and a hand to hold when life felt overwhelming.

Outside of work, Reese found joy and adventure in the sprawling worlds of role-playing games. He was a natural storyteller, weaving intricate tales that captivated his fellow players. You may know him as Reese, Morrigan, Raven, or other gamer tags but no matter which name used each was a reflection of his complex, guiding, and fiercely protective nature and huge heart, often known as a gentle giant. Just as he championed his companions in fantastical realms, Reese was a tireless advocate for those struggling in the real one, including helping found an organization Strong Neighbor in the Indy area helping provide food and necessities and even helping those escape domestic violence environments.

Reese was just beginning to find his way in this big, complicated world, and the path he was carving was one of profound purpose. He will be deeply missed beyond words.

Reese is survived by his devoted parents, Nora McCoy and his stepfather Chris Gulsvig, Ethan Giltner and stepmom Airin, brothers Giordan, Orion, and Sloan, and stepsister Lili Gulsvig, his Gram-Beth McCoy, grandparents James and Ann Marie Giltner, aunts and uncles cousins and even more extended family; and a wide circle of friends who will forever remember his sharp wit, his fierce loyalty, and the gentle way he carried others through their storms.

Please join us for his visitation being held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on August 15, 2026, at Flowers of the Field (162203 County Rd C, Mosinee, WI 54455), followed immediately by a Celebration of Life ceremony and luncheon reception.

Reese's legacy of compassion, presence, and selfless service will forever echo in the lives he steadied during their hardest days. May his spirit always soar.