Wilburt Arnold Reeder

Wilburt (Will) Arnold Reeder, 86, passed peacefully at his home in Okemos, Michigan on April 15, 2022.

Will is survived by his Wife of 62 years, Jacquelin (Jackie) Ann Reeder (nee Paty) and children Suzanne (Husband Mick Rineer), Don (Wife Connie), Scott (Wife Michelle), and Sarah (Husband Steven Peterson), 11 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Will was born in Manton, Michigan September 8, 1935 and attended Manton High School. During his senior year in HS, he lived and worked at the local funeral home/ambulance service. After 4 years of service in the Air Force and a tour in Korea, Will attended and graduated from Michigan State University (1962) with a BA in Agriculture Engineering. After college, he went to work for the Michigan DNR in East Tawas, MIchigan.

Will was a partner with his brother Ken in Paty’s, an agriculture and construction equipment and service dealership, lawn and garden center, and auto parts store located in Okemos, MI. After Paty’s, Will and Jackie went to St. Cloud, Florida to tend to the family orange grove for 23 years. Will and Jackie moved back to Michigan in 2018 and settled on a small 3-acre piece of property where he could tinker with and restore tractors and fix anything you could push, pull, or drag to the shop.

Will was an avid reader, pilot, mechanic, and loved Jesus. Family was at the root of Will’s character and he was loved by and an inspiration to generations. Throughout his life, Will was a friend and mentor to many people and loved to give his time, energy, and offerings to his favorite organizations and missions. Two of them are: Youth Haven Ranch, PO Box 97, Rives Junction, MI 49277 (www.youthhaven.org) and Quiet Place Ministries, 1410 4th Street, Jackson, MI 49203 (www.quietplaceministries.org). Memorial contributions may be made to them.

Family and friends will gather for a celebration of life on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at House of Prayer Church, 9974 Old M-78 in Haslett. Viewing at 10 AM and Service at 11AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grwilliamston.com for the Reeder family.