Patricia A. "Pat" Reuter

Patricia “Pat” Ann (Smith) Reuter, age 85, of Hastings, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, May 7, 2026, after a period of declining health. A devoted partner, mother, grandmother, and friend, Patricia lived a life marked by gentle resilience, fortitude, deep loyalty, and a generous spirit that touched everyone who knew her.

Pat was born on December 5, 1940, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Jurdis Carlblom and Harold Smith. She and her brother, Rodney Smith, and their mother, later moved to Hastings, where she went to high school and built a life rooted in love, friendship, and a zest for enjoying life. She married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Thomas “Tom” J. Reuter, with whom she shared decades of partnership, laughter, and unwavering support until his passing in 2012. Together they created a warm and welcoming home, raising their three children with the values they held dear—kindness, hard work, humor, and the importance of showing up for the people you love.

Patricia’s life was shaped by her determination and her ability to meet challenges with grace. While she and Tom raised their family, Pat worked for the Dakota County Sheriff’s Department and the Hastings Star Gazette. Together with Tom and their family they created and operated Greenwood Campgrounds, a place where thousands of families enjoyed visiting the community and where many lifelong friendships were formed.

As she faced health struggles in her later years, she remained steadfastly engaged with her family and her friends in Minnesota and at her winter home in Arizona. She was known for her humor and her appreciation for home decorating, traveling, gardening, sewing, golfing, and playing cards with friends.

She is survived by her brother, Rodney (Dorothy) Smith; her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; extended family; and many friends who will miss her warmth and steady presence, including her longtime companion, Dwayne “Dewey” Minnaert.

Family members who carry on her memory include her children and their spouses: Scott (Donna) Reuter, Lynn Schoen (Mike Grandy), and Joel (Melinda DeVore) Reuter.

Pat’s legacy will be forever honored by her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren:

Tim (Michelle) Reuter and their children Adalyn, Nolan, and Parker; Collin (Brittany) Reuter; Christopher (Justine) Allen and their children Deacon and Roman; Anna Schoen; Olivia (Taylor) Canter and their daughter Evie; Quinn (Andrea) Reuter and their children Masie and Maleah; Madeline (Brian) Peterson and their children Sydney and Merritt; and Mitchell (Elizabeth) Brier and their children Mac and Henry.

Patricia’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the family and friends who supported her with compassion and dignity, and to the caregivers at Morning Glory Home Care and Allina Hospital and Hospice Care.

Memorials may be directed to BrightFocus Foundation: A major global funder of research into macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s, and glaucoma, with specialized, peer-reviewed grant programs for AMD.

A Celebration of Patricia’s life will be held on Sunday, May 10th, at 4:00PM, with a visitation starting at 3:00PM, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel. Interment will be in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery. 

Arrangements are with Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.