Roy Robert Reuter

Former Alaska resident Roy Robert Reuter, 79, did Nov. 13 from complications of pneumonia at Valley West Health Care Center in Eugene, Ore. His family was by his side. There was a graveside service and military ceremony at Calvary Cemetery in Eugene where was laid to rest.

Roy was born Aug. 15, 1929 in Detroit. He was the second of four children born to Howard and Margaret Reuter. He later moved with his family too California. Roy joined the Coast Guard in 1947 and in 1950 he joined the Navy. He received an honorable discharge in 1951 due to an arm injury. Roy then drove from California to Michigan to marry the love of his life, Virginia Heath, who he had dated as a teenager.

Roy and Virginia had three children, but the youngest child did not survive, living only eight hours.

Roy was known for his warm heart and cutting humor. He always had a joke to tell and when he couldn’t think of one, he would make one up and never failed to have everyone laughing.

Roy will be sorely missed and remembered by all who enjoyed any part of his life.

Roy loved being in the woods. He hunted, fished and trapped to provide food for his family. He also enjoyed cutting wood. Roy was happiest when he was living in a house with a wood stove in it.

Roy, Virginia and the girls lived in Michigan, California, Oregon, Colorado and Alaska. In 1966 they moved from Colorado to Wasilla. Roy worked at various jobs such as dairy farmer, school janitor, school bus driver, Mat Maid truck driver and later as a fuel truck driver in Fairbanks.

Roy and Virginia moved to Eugene in 1990 where they retired.

Roy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Virginia Reuter of Eugene, daughters and son-in-law, Shirley and Andy Frank of Springfield, Ore., Nancy Hartgrove of Anchorage, grandson Frank Frohlich Jr., of New Jersey, sisters Eileen, Carol and Cathy and their families in California and Missouri.

Roy was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Paula.