William Reiter

William John Reiter
January 5, 1940 - January 29, 2018
Little Canada, MN
Known warmly by friends as Bill and with affection by close family members as Willy, William Reiter died peacefully in his home from multiple myeloma, complicated by a medical rap sheet too long to list. During his last days, his family was with him to share memories and laughter.
Bill spent his 78 years in frank conversation with strangers and loved ones alike; he departed this world as honestly as he lived in it. All of us who loved him knew exactly what he thought and where he stood.
Bill was born on January 5, 1940 to George Reiter and Frances Reiter. His entrepreneurial spirit sparked him to found Bill Reiter & Associates, a printing equipment sales and service company that successfully supported his family until he retired to a more relaxed pace of life that encompassed summers at his cabin at Lake Wapogasset.
He was known affectionately by his lake neighbors in Amery, Wisconsin as "Boater Bill," the self-appointed, unauthorized, and unofficial shore patrol. He will be missed "riding the rails" on the Wapogasset shoreline. His family will miss him on cabin evenings around the campfire, where Willy dispensed wisdom that became increasingly profound as the libations flowed.
Bill lived a rich life, sharing wonderful times with family and friends. Sundays with his children were Fundays, filled with bowling, mini golfing, swimming, camping, snowmobilinga�"and trips to Valley Fair, where the big objective was to get in The Most Possible Rides. He balanced family adventures with a "tough love" philosophy that taught his children the life skills required to succeed. His approach to child-rearing was definitely not "everyone gets a trophy." He wanted his children to learn from their mistakes. The rules Bill followed precisely, and taught his children to follow, were the rules of life and they continue to serve his children well.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Saldana Reiter, with whom he affectionately spent "40 years of good." He was tragically preceded in death by his son Mark Reiter (2005). Willy is survived by children Mike, Michele (Greg) Prokott, and Marcia and by grandchildren Alyssa and Jessica Prokott, and Alex and Kayla Reiter. He will be missed by Elaine Reiter, his ex-wife and friend. Bill's siblings, JoAnne Aitken, Judy Huff, and Dick Reiter grieve along with, Jeanne's Mom, Joyce Saldana and siblings, Mickey Ratasky, Anne Ogletree, Joni Saldana, Peter (Danny) Saldana, and Nona Ewell.
Willy's family expresses heartfelt thanks to Dr. Daniel Weisdorf, and Good Samaritan in Maplewood, Fairview Hospice Team for the compassionate care they provided.
Willy was glad to tell Jeanne that "it was a good ride, honey." He wanted his life celebrated with fine tales, full glasses raised high and of course food. Please join us for fulfilling Bill's final wishes on Sat. February 24 at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center at 2800 Curve Crest Blvd. Stillwater, MN. Join us for a gathering at 1:00 p.m., followed by a 2:00 p.m. remembrance program. Memorials preferred.