Obituary of Todd James Reuer

November 14, 1960- December 22, 2013

Todd James Reuer was born on November 14, 1960 in Mobridge, SD to Rita (Lawless) Reuer and Calvin Elmer Reuer.  His love for the Dakota prairies and ranching began early on, growing up on a ranch nestled in the banks of Lake Oahe, south west of Selby SD. Todd attended grade school in Akaska, SD and then later graduated from Selby High School in 1979. In 1975 Todd went to a youth camp at a place called Outlaw Ranch outside of Custer,SD.  There at that camp Todd said that he "gave his life to Jesus Christ and asked Jesus to live through him". From that day on Jesus was not only a savior to Todd but His truest friend. His prayer for Christ to live through him is a prayer that was answered, as the love and joy of Christ was felt by all who were near to Todd throughout his life. Feeling a call to ministry, Todd attended a bible school called Shiloh Training Institute in Hamilton, MT after high school where he graduated in 1981. His love for the cowboy life did not stay behind in South Dakota, though. He took his calf roping horse to school with him so he could still rope at the local indoor arena any spare minute he had. During his time at Shiloh, he met Kelley (Shaw) from Mandan, ND. They were married on January 2, 1982 at the Presbyterian Church in Mandan. The newlyweds returned to MT as Kelley finished her school at Shiloh and Todd found a job on a ranch in Stevensville, MT. Their early years of marriage were spent helping with several church plants, singing at many events together, and working on farms and ranches in various towns in North and South Dakota. In 1983 they moved to Bowdle, SD. There, Todd worked on a ranch and Kelley and Todd both helped with a local ministry, traveling, singing, and preaching weekly. In 1984 Todd and Kelley moved to Hoven, SD and then in 1985 they moved to Bismarck and helped work at Circle C Ranch for a summer camp season. From 1985 to 89 they lived in the Hazen and Steele, ND area, helping a new church get started in each community. In January of 1988 they had their first child, Tyson. In Sept of 1989 they moved to Kenmare, ND to start and pastor a church. 

Todd loved people from all cultures and had a heart for missions. In 1989, Todd and Kelley and baby Tyson went on a mission trip to South East Asia, to teach at a couple different Bible Schools: one in Borneo and the other in Manila, Philippines. During their time in Kenmare they also took another mission trip into Mexico. They pastored the church in Kenmare for 3 years and then moved back to Todd's roots in South Dakota. For the next 15 years they lived in the Mobridge, SD area. In 1991 they had their second child Philip and in '97, a daughter Kristi.

Todd loved ranching on the rolling plains of South Dakota. He was interested in cattle management, rotational grazing practices and cattle genetics. He was an AI technician and also studied Bud Williams cattle management methods. Todd loved teaching others. He would often stop while working with his kids on the ranch to tell them about a certain type of grass, or share a life lesson found in nature. He had a love for teaching God's word and often taught at the bible school at his church in Timberlake, SD, his favorite topic to teach on was God's love. More importantly, Todd was known as a man who lived what he preached and his genuine love for others was felt by everyone around him. It was often said about him, that "he never knew a stranger".

In the summer of 2002, Todd had a horse accident and suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury. Over the next several years he struggled with recovery from the incident. In 2008 Todd and his family moved to take a different ranch job in Limon, CO and then later moved again to Kintyre, ND. Todd's Traumatic Brain Injury recovery was further complicated by a diagnosis of early Dementia and he increasingly struggled with his ability to focus and remember events. By 2011 the disease made it impossible for him to continue doing the work that he loved so much and with a heavy heart he had to quit ranching. 

Todd and Kelley moved back to the Bismarck/Mandan area, where Kelley took care of Todd while his condition continued to worsen. In the summer of 2013 Todd was placed into the hospital at Bismarck and then later moved to a long term care facility in Tioga, ND.

Always committed to go wherever He felt God called him to go, Todd had lived in over 20 houses and 11 communities over the course of his life. He spent his final 4 months at the Tioga Medical Center. On Sunday, God called Todd to move one more time and he passed away on Dec 22, 2013. 

Todd left a legacy of compassion and character. His ambition was to lead a quiet life working with his hands. Todd's final years were a struggle for him as he fought the devastating effects of dementia, but his life was a glorious victory. He touched everyone around him with his smile and genuine compassion towards others. Because of their many moves, Todd and Kelley would say that they really weren't sure where home was anymore. But that is no longer a question for Todd, as he was able to saddle up one last time and ride off into the sunset; one of God's favorite cowboys, finally.... home.    

He is preceeded in death by his father, Calvin Elmer Reuer.  He is survied by his wife Kelley, sons Tyson (Sarah) Reuer (Tulsa, OK) , Philip Reuer (Valley City, ND) , daughter Kristi Reuer (Bismarck) , Granddaughters, Kadence and Selah Reuer (Tulsa, Ok) . Mother Rita Reuer (Tea, SD) Siblings: Georgia McCool (Albuquerque, NM) , Dean Reuer (Spearfish, SD) Tamara Reuer (Rapid City, SD), Inlaws: Donald and Estella (Honey) Shaw (Mandan, ND), Sister In Laws: Dawn and Doug Diehl (Rapid City, SD) Debbie Shaw (Bismarck), Kim Shaw (Bismarck), Brother in Law: LaRue and Tracie Shaw (Bismarck, ND),  and many Aunts and Uncles and Cousins.