Thomas Michael Reuter

MINNESOTA CITYThomas Michael Reuter, 77 of Minnesota City, MN died Saturday, December 13, 2014 at his home.Tom was born July 16th, 1937 in Arcadia WI to Frank and Cecelia (Kreye) Reuter. He graduated from Arcadia High School in 1956. While in high school, Tom served with the Wisconsin National Guard. After graduating from high school, he enlisted with the US Navy and served aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard CVA-31 serving from 1957 to 1961.When Tom came home from serving in the Navy, he met the love of his life, Kathleen Dittrich. They were married August 17, 1963.After serving in the Navy for four years, Tom attended WI Technical College and earned a degree in drafting and design. His first job was with Trane Co in La Crosse, WI. After working for Trane for 4 years, Tom and Kathy moved to Winona where he started working for Lake Center Industries later retiring in 1999. Tom is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathy; daughters Sherry (Brandi), Connie (Tim) Fort and their children, Travis and Jerrod; Paula (Bob) Timm and their children, Jacob and Jenna; brother Francis (Joyce) Reuter and sisters Dorothy Weber, Phyllis Kostner, Mary Lou Fernholz and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Janice Morrison and Ruth Benusa.Tom enjoyed working in his yard. In his earlier years, he loved spending time on the river, his fishing trips up North and the many vacations he took with Kathy and the girls. But most of all, his family was what he treasured the most....especially watching his grandchildren play sports. Even though these past years may have been a struggle for him, he always remained positive, never complained and always had a smile on his face. Tom's honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren. The family prefers memorials be given to the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post #9 or the Winona area food shelf. A memorial service for Tom will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview with the Reverend Monsignor Richard Colletti officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Tom will be laid to rest at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Oak Ridge.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/549636