Example of a Living Legacy

Written By: Dori Pulse  |  Posted: Friday, August 28th, 2015

            Reynolds Tomter, age 98, cooks, cleans, golfs, loves to putz, and, up until last year, he was driving people to and from the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport! As we sat for the interview, there were purposeful words that came to my mind.

   In 1972 as a newlywed, I moved to Pigeon Falls, WI, at the age of 19. One of the first people I met was Reynolds, who, with a warm smile, a touch on the shoulder, and always something pleasant to say, helped me to feel welcome. As a matter of fact, he helped me get my first job at the Pigeon Falls Store in dry goods. Reynolds is kind.

   I am always intrigued by how our brains preserve certain memories or people that cross our life paths. We don't always realize at the time what kind of impact a person has on us; it may take many years for the lesson to surface. Reynolds is one of those "unforgettable" people. Those that meet him remember him. Reynolds is genuine.

   Reynolds Lloyd Tomter (an only child) was born April 26, 1917, to Otto and Hulda (Evenson) Tomter two miles outside of Pigeon Falls. He was born on the same farm his mother was born on. His roots are rich in heritage and locale. He was married May 27, 1939, to a local gal, Dorothea Hoff. Their daughter Julie was born in 1941 and a son, Bud (Reynolds), in 1946. In 1996, Dorothea entered heaven after 57 years of marriage. Today, he enjoys four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Reynolds is a family man.

   Reynolds was drafted, but enlisted in the Merchant Marines (Coast Guard), serving in WWII as a baker from 1943-1945. His rank was S+M3c. He was also back-up as an aircraft gunner aboard the freighter Victory Ship, making numerous trips to Italy and France, among others, carrying supplies such as food and ammunition. Reynolds is a veteran.

   In business, his performance focus was selflessness and integrity. As a general store owner and later in his own realty business, Reynolds always held his customer's needs and wants as the most important issue. When anyone walked into the store, even if he was busy, Reynolds knew you were there and greeted you. No one was treated poorly. There was no gossip, no complaints. As Reynolds recalled the litany of his life experiences and jobs, a spirit of humility, commitment, and endurance rose up in each chapter. For example, during his employment at the P. Ekern store in Pigeon Falls (prior to his 1952 purchase of the store), part of the business included two ambulances. One of Reynolds's jobs was to answer the call and drive an ambulance to the scene of an emergency. He said he saw some pretty awful accidents. Sometimes it included retrieving mangled bodies or parts thereof. Back in those days, there were no briefings, no counseling, you just "did it." In his words, "You took things as they came." Reynolds is trustworthy and has strength of character.

   Reynolds's accomplishments include starting the Pigeon Falls Volunteer Fire Department in 1946 and the Lions Club in 1960. He is the only remaining charter member and has earned "Lion of the Year." Both he and Dorothea received the Community Service Award. He and his wife were ardent supporters of the local church, and Reynolds remains so. He sold the Pigeon Falls Store in 1971, but stayed on for year. He then pursued his own business as a realtor and enjoyed Reynolds Realty (1971-1980). Reynolds was among ten people over the age of 90 who received a plaque for "Tribute of Recognition" to Pigeon Falls on May 14, 2009. At age 65, he "retired." Reynolds is honorable and respected.

   And then there is his passion for the Badgers! He didn't miss a game if he could help it. However, in all the years he cheered them on, he didn't get to a live game until his grand-daughter Beth knew someone who knew someone, and in November of 2013, he went to his first game as "Honorary Badger Coach for the Day." The grin on his face as he retold the story said it all. Reynolds is a Badger fan!

   Reynolds continues to golf at least once a week. Recently, Jennifer Livingston from WKBT/LaCrosse got word that these "old guys" golfed regularly. She found them, followed them, and got the scoop on: Ray Nehring, age 100, Reynolds (at the time) 95, another in his early 90's, and another in his early 80's. Reynolds can boast of three holes in one! Reynolds loves the outdoors.

   His life began, existed, and remains today in Pigeon Falls, where he lives in a modest apartment and takes care of his own needs. As he said, "I'm always busy doing something." His motto: "I've gotta get up at a decent time in the morning because before I know it, it's time for the evening news!" Reynolds is an amazing person, sharp as a tack, with an enviable positive attitude, who selflessly gives of himself every day in many ways. A full life led by God, serving family, community, and country. Reynolds loves the Lord and is faithful. Indeed, an example and model for us all.

Dori M. Pulse is the author of "Everything Changed when I said 'I Do' - Preparing For and Living as a God-First Stepfamily."  Her website is StepFamilyRX.com.  She and her husband Bob live in Eau Claire, WI.