Obituary of Robert Reuter

Robert C. Reuter Mr. Reuter, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at his residence of natural causes, with his wife at his side. He is now with his Lord and Savior, for whom he longed. Mr. Reuter was born on October 25, 1910 in Seward, Nebraska to Paul and Else Reuter, his dear parents, both of whom preceded Robert to their eternal home. Robert is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Judy M. Reuter , their daughter, Caroline Reuter Long of Genoa, IL, his son, Robert C. Reuter, Jr. and his wife, Vicki, of Albuquerque, NM, his daughter, Grace E. ?Beth? Reyes and her husband, Pedro, of Oak Park, IL, and 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He also has many nieces and nephews across the country. Robert?s sisters, Ruth Wirth, Maheta Pospishil, Charlotte Peltzer, Elizabeth Usher-Scar and Guiomar Barth; his brothers, Paul Reuter and Martin Reuter and Robert?s eldest son, David E. Reuter, of California, also preceded Robert to eternity. Robert received his degrees from Concordia College in Nebraska, Pittsburgh University, and Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He was an outstanding concert organist and educator, having been the Dean of Music at Flora MacDonald College for five years in Red Springs, NC (1944-1949) and Chapel Organist and recitalist at Duke University and at the Village Chapel in Pinehurst, NC. Many of his students from Red Springs remained devoted, lifelong friends. Robert held the position of Professor and Chairman of the Organ and Church Music Departments at Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL for 30 years. Many of his university students went on to have successful careers as organists and directors. He was recognized among his colleagues, students and the profession as having brilliant musical talent, as seen throughout his years of dedication to the field of education and the many churches he served as organist and choir director. Robert was consulted for his expertise to design nearly forty pipe organs for churches throughout the country. During his career, Robert was a member of the American Guild of Organists, the Society of American Musicians and the American Musicological Society. Throughout his 27 years in Charlotte, NC, Robert was the church organist and choir director at Ascension Lutheran Church, St. Patrick Cathedral, St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Sharon Baptist Church, and Peace Moravian Church. Robert touched the lives of countless individuals, whether through sharing his beautiful gift of music with college students or the neighborhood children who brought such joy to his heart, to whom he gave piano lessons for many years. His warm smile and sense of humor always made people feel welcome. He loved the beauty of nature and deeply loved the Lord and the scripture, having read the Bible in its entirety three times. Robert?s happiest years were those he spent with his wife, Judy, living in Charlotte. A private family service was held on Saturday, June 30, 2012 at the Forest Lawn East Cemetery, Matthews, NC. Memorial donations may be made in Robert?s name to the religious organization of your choice or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Austin Chapter, 3420 Executive Center Drive, Suite 108 Austin, TX 78731.