Robert Elton Reuter

Robert “Bob” Elton Reuter (87) of Fairview, NC, entered into the presence of his Lord on August 17, 2023, in the loving arms of his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Nancy.

Bob was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to Clarence and Ruth Reuter. He was raised in a home filled with music and faith. The family later resided in Madison, WI.

Bob was an accomplished musician from a very young age, playing piano and trombone. He worked professionally as a trombonist from middle school through adulthood. Bob played in the University of Wisconsin band, as well as many professional “gigs” while attending school. After college, he played professionally on the West Coast before moving back to Wisconsin to begin his career as an Actuary. Over the years, Bob continued to “let it slide” by playing his trombone with many music groups, bands, and churches. In the Asheville area, he played trombone with the Land of the Sky Band, Blue Ridge Brass Quintet, Asheville Community Band, Hendersonville Band, and many others.

Bob graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison with a BA in Actuarial Science. He earned many prestigious designations/awards in his field of expertise, having achieved the highest designations available in actuarial science. He had an accomplished career in the insurance industry as an Actuary, consultant, executive, and President/CEO. Bob is noted in scholarly Actuarial publishings as the pioneer of what is now known as “Universal Life.” He left a lasting mark on the Fraternal Insurance industry through his unique “out of the box” thinking, creative innovations, and revered knowledge/application of actuarial science principals.

Bob met the love of his life, Nancy while working as an Actuary at Wisconsin Life. It was love at first sight, and they were engaged three months after they met. September 7, 2023 would have been their 60th wedding anniversary. They had a big celebration for their 50th wedding anniversary with family and close friends. Throughout their marriage, they lived in Madison, WI, Golden-Valley, MN, Winston-Salem, NC, West Chicago, IL, and Fairview, NC. Their love was strengthened by the vows they took and their knowledge that Christ was at the center of their marriage. Their love was an inspiration to many.

Their two children, Debi and Lisa, were loved deeply by their Daddy. He always filled the home with laughter, music, creativity, and love. He passed on his musical prowess to Debi, an accomplished and award winning professional flutist, and he will always be remembered as one of her biggest mentors/cheerleaders. Lisa used music and creativity through dance/dance instruction and has many deep-seated “Dadisms” that guide her life.

Bob was known for his quick wit and enormous repertoire of “Dad jokes” and other musings. People often described him as a man of strong integrity, compassion, creativity, genius, and humor. The thing that he held closest was his profound faith. Bob and Nancy found great joy in giving their time and talents to the churches they attended throughout their married life.

Bob also served in the United States Army and played trombone in the Army Band.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Ruth Reuter, two nephews, two nieces, and other beloved family and close friends.

Bob is survived by his wife, Nancy (Stone), daughters, Debra Reuter-Pivetta (husband Federico) and Lisa Reuter-Clarke (husband Keith), sister Linda Connolly, nephews, nieces, and many beloved family members and close friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 11:00am at Lutheran Church of the Nativity in Arden, NC. This will be followed by a luncheon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following (or to a charity of your choice): Lutheran Church of the Nativity (https://nativityarden.org) or Carolina Poodle Rescue (https://carolinapoodlerescue.org).

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.