Duward 'Dewey' Arthur Reber, 89

Duward “Dewey” Arthur Reber, 89, passed away peacefully at home from cancer while surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013.

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.

 He was a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner, and a member of the Polson Elks Lodge.

 Dewey was an avid woodsman, fisherman and hunter. He loved outdoor recreation on Flathead Lake, gardening, travel and stone masonry. He was a prankster with a twinkle in his eye and a loving husband, father and grandfather. Dewey was an honorable man and possessed a quiet strength of character. 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 Reber, of Proctor; grandchildren, Jeff Server of Columbia, Md., Sara Friar of Yuma, Ariz., Kristina Server of Washington, D.C., and Marisa Reber of Columbia Falls. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Beierle, of Missoula; and his brother, Duane Reber, of Phoenix, Ariz. He had four great-grandchildren and an extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends.

 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 condolence may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.