Frederick Reutzel

Reutzel, Frederick W.

Stuyvesant-Frederick William Reutzel, Sr., age 94, of Stuyvesant passed away peacefully at Barnwell Nursing Home, Valatie on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Castleton, NY on December 29, 1922, he was the son of the late Frederick G. and Emma (Mossman) Reutzel. He was predeceased by his sister, Anna May Van DeWal, brothers Edmund, Calvin, Robert, and William Reutzel. Fred was employed by Fort Orange paper Company/Brown Paper Company for over 40 years. He served in the Army during WWII with the 731st Field Artillery Bn. as a truck driver In the European Theater of Operations.
Following the War he married Laura May Zeigler. Together they had eleven children and celebrated 70 years of marriage on February 23, 2016.
Fred (Freddie) enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending summers camping with his family at Moffitt Beach in Lake Pleasant, N.Y.He spent many Saturday nights at Lebanon Valley Speedway where he and his family would root for their favorite drivers. When visiting their two sons, Dennis and Kenny in Texas, Fred and Laura liked to attend the NASCAR Races. Another highlight of their visits was watching their son, Ken and grandson, Aaron race mini Sprint Cars.
Fred was a member of the Castleton Seniors Group, the Tri-Village Seniors Group of Kinderhook, and the Stuyvesant Fire Company. He and Laura loved to go on trips with the senior groups; including a trip to Hawaii and Alaska. As a social member of the Stuyvesant Fire Company he would always find time to march in their parades; with his wife Laura not far behind with the Ladies Auxiliary.
In October 2009, Thanks to Patriot Flight, Inc. (a ceremony to honor WWII Veterans) Fred went to Washington, D.C. to see the WWII Memorial. He was also fortunate enough to have his photo taken with Senator Robert Dole and his wife Elizabeth Dole.
His second love, next to his wife and family was gardening. Fred and his wife, Laura would take their vegetables and flowers to the Farmers Market in Rensselaer, NY. People would drive by the house and admire his flower gardens. One spring day a photographer from a local newspaper snapped a picture of him while working in his garden and posted it in the paper.
Fred worked two jobs most of his life to support and care for his family. He was a sweet man with a smile for everyone he met, and was always there to help anyone out.
He leaves behind his wife, Laura and his 11 children; Fred (Diane) Reutzel of Castleton; Gloria Hooper of Clifton Park; Carol Crocco of Clifton Park; Diane (Robert) Blanchard of Valatie; Dennis (Gail) Reutzel of Angleton, Texas; Wanda (Rick) Shutts of Hillsdale ; Tim (Mary Ann) Reutzel of Kinderhook; Ken (Andrea) Reutzel of Clute, Texas; Richard Reutzel of Valatie; Ronald Reutzel of Stuyvesant; and Darlene (Patrick) Wright of Nassau and 21 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
The Reutzel Family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at Barnwell who looked after Fred. He was known and loved by many as the sweet blue-eyed guy with the big smile.
Calling hours will be held on October 15, 2017 from 3-6 pm at Ray Funeral Service, Inc., 59 Seaman Ave, Castleton NY 12033. His funeral service will be 10 am Monday October 16, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 68 Green Ave. Castleton, NY. Interment will be private at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Castleton or to the Valatie Rescue Squad.

Ray Funeral Service, Inc.
59 Seaman Ave.
Castleton, NY 12033
(518)732-7663

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