Johanna "Jo" Albertin Reuter

Johanna "Jo" Albertin Reuter, 88, passed into the Gates of Heaven on Friday, February 17, 2017, after a brief illness at Boone Hospital. She was born May 8, 1928, in California, Missouri, to the late Fred K. and Laura D. Albertin. She was the youngest of four children. Two siblings, Ida M. Ducey and Fred A. Albertin, preceded her in death. Dorthea Stambaugh survives and resides in Fulton, Mo. An adventurous soul, Jo traveled to Panama and then to Colorado as a young woman. There she met Vernon F. Reuter, of Alma, Kan., while he served in the Army at Fort Carson. On September 2, 1958, they were married at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in California, Mo. They recently celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage by taking a trip to the Grand Canyon. Vernon survives of the home. Vernon and Jo returned to Alma, Kan. They bought and managed an IGA store for seven years there. Three children were born of the marriage. Two sons: Nathan Paul Reuter (Kathy) of Columbia, Mo. and Mark Anthony Reuter (Teresa) of Jefferson City, Mo., and one daughter: Beth Ann Reuter, who died on February 11, 1963, shortly after birth. The family moved to Greeley, Colorado for a short time and then returned to California, Mo. to aid her mother who was stilling living on the farm Jo grew up on. After her mother's passing, Jo returned to living in the farmhouse that her father built. She was very proud of the heritage of the home and was working towards classifying it as a Centurion home. She was employed in several positions over the years with the federal government and social services but she is best known for her last job at California Elementary School as the Secretary/Nurse, retiring in 1996 after several decades of dedicated service. Her family grew to include seven grandchildren: Mackenzie F. Charles (Micah) of Clinton, Mo.; Drew A, Reuter of Jefferson City, Mo.; Nataleigh Jo Hensley (Josh) of Ashland, Mo.; and Sydni M. Reuter of Jefferson City, Mo.; Corey E. Reuter, Columbia, Mo.; Zachary C. Reuter, Manhattan Kansas and Logan M. Reuter, Columbia, Mo.. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Macy F. Charles and Sadie Jo Charles of Clinton, Mo. as well numerous nieces and nephews. She had an unwavering faith in God. She devoted herself to reading the bible and serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, daily. She was a lifelong member of the congregation of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, California, Mo., under the direction of Rev. Dr. Peter Kurowski. She served on Ladies' Aid, taught Sunday School, was a Project Share volunteer and an AAL Disaster Relief Volunteer. Jo loved spending time with her family. She loved her family deeply, investing into each life fully. She cooked and hosted many holiday dinners - no one left hungry. And if you weren't invited, but showed up by chance, another chair was added to the table without question. Many wonderful memories were made and treasured by those left behind. Easter egg hunts excited the kids as surprises of candy, old half dollars, or toys were found inside. Others, include walks in the field and picnics by the creek, sleep overs, playing board games or planting in the garden together. She appreciated life and the concept that "The days are long, but the years are short." was her way of summing up how quickly time passes. Therefore, she lived every day to its fullest. She shared this wisdom with many others so that they, too, would understand how quickly time passes and they do so without regret. We honor her and her life's achievements at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 207 N Owen, California, Mo. on Tuesday, February 21, 2017. Friends and family are received from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. to share memories of this amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Formal Celebration of Life services will begin at 2 p.m. and commence at graveside at Immanual/Boeckhaus Cemetery, California, Mo. Officiant will be Dr. Peter Kurowski. To be absent with the body is to be present with the Lord. 2nd Corinthians 5:8 In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to be made to St. Paul's Youth Group. Memorial cards will be available by the sign in guestbook.