Ramon Reutinger

Ramon C. Reutinger, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong farmer at heart, passed away of natural causes on May 9, 2026, at the age of 85 in Bend, Oregon. Born on June 4, 1940, Ramon graduated from Wapello High School with the Class of 1958 and went on to attend Iowa State University. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves and was called to active duty during the Berlin Wall crisis. On September 22, 1962, Ramon married his college sweetheart, Betty Schneider, in Muscatine, Iowa. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work. For 33 years, Ramon and Betty farmed near Morning Sun, Iowa, where he built not only a livelihood but a lasting legacy rooted in perseverance, integrity, and care for the land. Ramon was recognized for his forward-thinking agricultural soil conservation practices. He developed and maintained a high quality/volume swine operation on the farm. He also had a deep appreciation for mechanics and took great pride in his John Deere two-cylinder tractors. Ramon was deeply involved in his community throughout his life. He participated in numerous organizations, including the Pork Producers, the Soil Conservation Board, and the 4-H Council, where he served as both leader and mentor. He was also a very active member of the Wapello United Methodist Church. In 1995, Ramon retired from farming and moved with Betty to Estes Park, Colorado, where he enjoyed working as a small engine mechanic. In 2012, they relocated to Bend, Oregon, to be closer to family. Above all, Ramon will be remembered as a deeply supportive and encouraging father and grandfather. He stood firmly behind his children and grandchildren in whatever paths they chose, always ready to lend a hand or offer guidance. Though he often carried quiet concern for their well-being, he celebrated their successes with even greater pride. He encouraged his family to “get out and see the world,” believing wholeheartedly in their ability to achieve more—and showing courage and selflessness in urging them to pursue opportunities beyond what he himself had known. Known for his resilience and sense of humor, Ramon often joked about being on his “second set of nine lives,” a lighthearted reflection of the many challenges he overcame through persistence and, as he would say with a smile, a bit of stubbornness. His strength and determination left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Ramon also had a remarkable passion for classic American vehicles. He could identify nearly any car or truck from the 1920s through the 1970s, often recognizing them at a glance and recalling details such as engine options, special editions, and the unique quirks of each. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles J. and Leona Weltha Reutinger. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty of Bend, Oregon; his children, Jon Reutinger and wife Doris of Allen, Texas; Scott Reutinger and wife Ana of Clemmons, North Carolina; and Sue Arnold and husband Dave of Bend, Oregon. He is also survived by his grandchildren—Kelsey, Hayley, and Andrew Reutinger of Texas; Brooke Fuller, Bailey, Abby, and Johnathon Reutinger of North Carolina; and Jessica and Samantha Arnold of Oregon—as well as his sister, Mary Coutts of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and several nieces and nephews. Ramon will be remembered as a fine man, a dedicated father, and someone with a huge and caring heart. His legacy lives on in the family he loved and the values he instilled. There will be a family Celebration of Life later this summer in Estes Park, Colorado. Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home was honored to handle the arrangments.

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Ramon Reutinger

June 4, 1940 - May 9, 2026