Royce Robert Reed — Rochester

Royce Robert Reed, 77, of Rochester, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's.

Royce was born in St. Croix Falls, Wis., Aug. 4, 1935, to Maurice and Dorothy (Nelson) Reed. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1953. Royce served in the Army from June 1955 to March 1957. After basic training in Ft. Leonardwood, Mo., he was stationed at Landstuhl AFB in Germany. While in the service, he visited many other countries, which led to a lifelong love of travel.

On Sept. 13, 1958, he married Karen Boyum at South Zumbro Church in Kasson. They were married for 54 wonderful years and she tenderly cared for him throughout his illness. They made their first home on a farm near Rochester, and then later resided at two different farms near Stewartville. After retirement, they built a home near Pine Island, and lived there until moving to Rochester in 2008. He was a longtime member of Autumn Ridge Church.

Royce worked at Rochester IBM from 1957 to 1991. He started as a system tech and later held several positions in finance. He also farmed for many years, raising crops, cattle, hogs and horses. The fall harvest was his favorite part of farming. He was one of the most hardworking men you'd ever meet and he and his wife took pride in maintaining a well kept farm.

Royce and Karen loved to travel and took many family vacations, often accompanied by Royce's faithful little dog, Chico. He and his wife enjoyed many annual trips to Branson, Mo., as well as trips to Hawaii and Alaska. He was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed 50 plus years at deer camp in northern Minnesota, and truly enjoyed the camaraderie with his sons, grandsons and other family members. Royce enjoyed fishing up north, as well as Canada. He enjoyed boating and learned to waterski in his early 40s. He loved engaging everyone in games and sports, even when it was becoming more difficult for him to participate himself.Royce was an active and long time member of the Rochester Riders Saddle Club, serving as President from 1975-1976. He enjoyed many scenic trail rides and drill team performances with his kids.

Royce is survived by his loving wife, Karen Reed, Rochester; his two sons, Jeff Reed, Byron and Terry (Terri) Reed, Mantorville; and his daughter, Tammy (Mark) Senjem, Pine Island; four grandchildren, Benjamin (Jennifer) Reed, Sioux Falls, S.D., Ashley Senjem and Tyler Senjem of Pine Island and Travis Reed of Mantorville; and one precious great-granddaughter, Brielle Reed, who could bring a smile to his face when he could no longer speak; his brother, Eugene (Lucine) Reed of Racine; and one sister, Amber Fox of California.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; one in infancy and younger brother, David P. Reed.

Royce was an amazing husband, dad, father-in-law, grandpa and great grandpa. He put family first and was happiest when surrounded by them. We will miss him dearly, but it is comforting to know that he is now with the Lord.

Blessed be his memory.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 14, at Autumn Ridge Church in the Timothy Chapel.

Visitation will be held Sunday, Jan. 13, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, and one hour before the service Monday at the church. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester.

Memorials are suggested to Autumn Ridge Church.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place N.W., Rochester, MN 55901. 507-289-3600. www.ranfranzandvinefh.com .