John Richard Reuvers

John Reuvers, age 96, of Marshall, Minnesota, died while surrounded by his family on Monday, March 28, 2022, at his home. Funeral Services are 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 1, 2022, at the Agape Fellowship Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Following a reception for attendees, interment will be in the Marshall Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 31, 2022, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 1, at the church.

John Richard Reuvers was born on March 29, 1925, in Grant Township near Sheldon, Iowa. He was the son of Henry and Tena (Boerhave) Reuvers. He attended the Grant Township Country School through the 8th grade and then helped his folks on the family farm before enlisting in the United States Army. He served honorably during World War II and in 1946 he returned home to continue farming with his father.

A few years later John was set up on a blind date with Bernice Vink and the couple was united in marriage on February 7, 1951, at the First Reformed Church in Hull, Iowa. They shared over 71 years of marriage together and raised five children: Carol, Laura, Patricia, Roger, and Lois. The couple first lived in a small tenant house on his parent's farm near Boyden, Iowa and where he farmed with his father. In 1954 they moved to Bernice’s family farm north of Hull, Iowa. In 1972 John and Bernice relocated west of Marshall where they owned and operated the El Rancho Motel. In 1980 they moved into Marshall where John worked at the Christianson Implement dealer and later Mid-Continent Cabinetry prior to his retirement in 1995.

John was a faithful member of Agape Fellowship Church in Marshall and was the treasurer for Morning Meditations, a daily devotional on KMHL radio for many years. He was a member of the American Legion groups in both Iowa and Marshall, and he enjoyed taking part in the 41st Infantry Division Min.Dak Chapter gatherings. His other enjoyments in life included gardening, farming, and caring for his apple trees - all of which allowed him to share his bountiful produce with family and friends. John also was a blood donor giving 8 gallons over his lifetime. He and Bernice also enjoyed taking bus trips all over the country, particularly the mystery trips, and John also tried his creative hand at woodworking.

John Reuvers died peacefully on Monday, March 28, 2022, at his home in Marshall, Minnesota, just one day before his 97th birthday.

He is survived by his wife, Bernice Reuvers of Marshall; 5 children, Carol Reuvers of Marshall, Laura (Jeff) Riley of Sioux Falls, SD, Pat (Tom) Hinz of Cottonwood, Roger (Linda) Reuvers of New Richmond, WI, Lois (Michael) Childress of Winter Garden, FL; 6 grandchildren, Lisa (Josh) Thayer of Albion, NE, Chris Riley of Elgin Air Force Base, FL, Andria (Brady) Baker of Orange City, IA, Abby Schultz of Blaine, MN, Tim Reuvers of Amery, WI, Jon Reuvers of New Richmond, WI; 4 great-grandchildren, Alexis Pedro, Kolby Pedro, Jace Thayer, Brooks Baker; sister, Winifred Simmelink of Orange City, IA; sister-in-law, Helen Reuvers of Boyden, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Tena Reuvers; infant daughter, Brenda in 1973; brothers, Everet Reuvers, H. “Junior” Reuvers; and a sister, Marjorie Menning.