Donald Reuter

Donald Reuter, age 84, of Hartford, South Dakota, went to be with the Lord on December 13, 2025, peacefully, at home, surrounded by his wife and family. He was born on January 1, 1941, to Arthur and Gertrude (Claussen) Reuter.

Don graduated from Hartford High School in Hartford, SD in 1958. He went on to graduate from the University of South Dakota in 1962, and upon graduation he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. into the United States Army. He met Jean in Baltimore, Maryland while he was serving in the Army, and they were married on December 27, 1964.

He proudly served on active duty overseas during the Vietnam War. When he returned to the United States, he left the Army for a time and worked for the Ford Motor company in Lima, Ohio, and Sharonville, Ohio. He eventually returned to active duty with the Army, and retired after reaching the rank of Colonel (0-6). During Don's military service, he earned the following medals: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Army Reserve Overseas Training Ribbon.

Throughout his life, he had to opportunity to live in many different locations including Bangkok, Thailand, St Louis, Missouri, Columbus, Ohio, and most recently he and Jean have been residents at Trinity of Beavercreek. His faith was very important to him, and he was an active member of Abiding Christ Lutheran Church in Beavercreek.

Don is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean (Shutter) Reuter; 3 children, Mark Reuter, Chris (Laura) Reuter, and Jessica Reuter; a sister, Carol (Russ) Greenfield; 5 grandchildren: Colleen (Garrett) Hicks, Kate Reuter, Jake Reuter, Zachary Spellman, and Alex Spellman; as well as 2 great-grandchildren: Lucy Hicks and Margot Hicks.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Arvin Reuter.

Don was a loving husband, father, and dedicated servant of God. He will be missed tremendously by his family.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 26, 2025 from 10:00am-11:30am at Newcomer Funeral Home (3380 Dayton-Xenia Rd, Beavercreek), where funeral services will begin at 11:30am. The service will be livestreamed, click HERE to watch.

Don will be laid to rest with military honors at Dayton National Cemetery (4400 W. Third St, Dayton) following the service.

To share a memory of Don or leave a special message for the family, please visit the Guestbook below.