Duward A. Reber

Duward (“Dewey”) Arthur Reber, age 89, passed away peacefully at home from cancer while surrounded by his loving family on Monday, Jan. 21. He was born in Amiret, Minn. on May 11, 1923 to Arthur and Mabel Reber, and was the eldest of five children. He grew up in Crookston, Minn., and after graduating from high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He proudly served in World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, where he was based in India, Burma, and China. After the military, he moved to Missoula, where he began his career as a logging contractor. In 1954 he married Virginia (“Jean”) Thomas, and they raised a family of three children. After Dewey’s retirement, he and Jean moved to Polson, Montana. He was a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner, and a member of the Polson Elk’s Lodge. Dewey was an avid woodsman, fisherman, and hunter. He loved gardening, outdoor recreation on Flathead Lake, travel, and stone masonry. He was a prankster with a twinkle in his eye and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His door was always open, and he was always ready to help others.

Dewey is survived by his wife Virginia Reber of Polson; daughter Marilee Wood of Kalispell; son Curtis (Barbara) Reber of Proctor; grandchildren Jeff (Rosa) Server of Columbia, Md.; Sara (Joe) Friar of Yuma, Ariz.; Kristina Server of Washington, DC; and Marisa Reber of Columbia Falls. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Beierle, of Missoula and his brother, Duane (Jackie) Reber, of Phoenix, Ariz. He had four great-grandchildren and an extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends. Dewey was preceded in death by his son Kevin Thomas Reber, his parents, his sister Dolores DiOrio, his brother Dennis Reber, and his son-in-law, Douglas Wood. The family extends its special thanks to the staff of the Lake County Hospice for their care and support. Memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a charitable contribution may be made to a charity of your choice. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.