Walter Philip Reuland Jr. of Laramie died January 22, 2016 at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. He was 69 years old. Cremation has taken place. Walter was born September 25, 1946 to Walter Philip Reuland Sr. and Caroline (nee. Haddock) Reuland at the San Diego Naval Center. He was the younger of two children.
Walter married Trudy Waldron on August 12, 1970. They were foster parents to many children with disabilities before starting their own family. They had two children, Philip and Sarah.
Walter served in the United States Navy, and saw duty in a hospital in Guam during the Vietnam War. He then joined the Naval Reserve. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Science Education. He taught for two years in Dunseith, ND before returning to Laramie. He joined the Laramie Fire Department in December 1976 and retired in January 2002.
He always enjoyed riding horses with his family, and helping his children with 4-H. He was passionate about the United States Cavalry, particularly the Indian Wars era. Walter rode in parades in his cavalry outfit, and enjoyed sharing his passion with 4th grade classes in the area. He was also the author of Cartridges for the Springfield Trap-Door Rifles and Carbines 1865 -1898.
After retirement he kept busy by volunteering at the Territorial Prison. He also enjoyed train chasing and watching trains go by at the depot. He and Trudy began taking cruises. The most recent cruise was to Alaska last summer with his entire family. He was also content running errands, vacationing, spending time with his grandchildren, and simply taking a nap in his chair. Many special times and meals were spent with his friends Mark Rehwaldt and Jennie Lawrence. He also enjoyed visiting with friends Stan Gibson and Lane Lindley.
Walter was very proud of his children and his grandchildren. He took great pride in seeing their enjoyment in whatever endeavors they were busy with. He could always strike up a conversation with people he knew and didn’t know. He had a great heart, and was a very compassionate man.
Walter is survived by his wife of 45 years, a sister, Florence and husband Bill Eichenberg of Ridgecrest, CA, his son Philip and wife Jody of Cheyenne, and daughter Sarah, of Laramie. His grandchildren include: James Cameron Booze II, Matthew Levi Ness, Nicolas Mason Griffin, and Henry Malon Reuland. He is also survived by three nephews and a niece.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, February 5th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Laramie with The Reverend Dr. Sally Palmer officiating and military rites by the Wyoming National Guard and The Laramie Veterans Honor Guard. Words of comfort and prayers are greatly appreciated.
Memorial donations may be made to the Laramie Fire Fighters burnout fund or the charity of your choice.
Walt will be remembered as a kind and compassionate fellow. We will miss his ready smile and hearty handshake.
In a profession in which caring and kindness are a hallmark, Walt stood out as a compassionate example. We will miss his ready smile and sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with Trudy, Philip and Sarah. Randy & Christine Vickers
Russ Matheson
Trudy, we are so sorry to hear about Walt. Walt had a heart of gold and was a very sweet man. Our thoughts are with you, Philip, Sarah and all of your family.
Walt never meant a stranger. He greeted everyone with a big smile and an even bigger bear hug.
Trudy, Philip, Sara, and family, Walt was a compassionate firefighter/EMT and had a generous heart. He mentored many of his fellow firefighters including me. He was a loyal friend and dedicated family man. Our deepest condolences.
what a full life walt lived!sorry for your loss. martha
Philip, thinking of you and your family today, and wishing you peace and comfort during this sad time. with love, Cindy
Trudy, The thoughts and prayers of our family are with you at this difficult time. Carolyn, Bob, and Ryan
I am sorry to hear the passing of Walter. May you be comforted by God's word in John 5:28, 29 and Acts 24:15 that there will be a resurrection to life of all our dear loved ones.
I will always have memories of my time working with Walter. As others have stated, Walter greeted everyone with a smile and firm hand shake. We swapped Navy stories, family stories and sometimes talked politics. We took "Trauma Momma" under our wings and made a difference in her life. That was Walter- teacher, mentor,friend. Our heart felt condolences to the Reuland family. May he rest in peace knowing he made a difference in life. Cliff and Ginny.
Many sorrows for the loss of Walt. We became friends through the Territorial Prison Foundation Board. Walt regaled me with history and we developed a great commonality about the direction of the park. Bless you Walt. Thanks for your service to this country, and thanks for being my friend. Buz Wick
Trudy, Wave told me the sad news about Walt. My mind went way back to all the good times Archie and I had with you and Walt and the kids. I thought about our other friends back then-- Wave and her girls and Lloyd and Gininne and their daughters. All the great memories with horses, railroading , just getting together. Walt was a Great friend, hard worker, fun sense of humor, knowledgable about so many things, very giving and caring. I'm so sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to you and Phillip and Sarah and your grandchildren. Take Care Trudy. All the best to you , ole friend , Karla I hope I can visit with you again sometime. On a side note Wave is battling cancer. Her husband Leonard died last June. She still lives in her same house in Laramie.
Rest in Peace to a great guy.
What a very caring individual! So sorry for your loss, RIP Walt!
I was with Walt through some very difficult cases, he was always calm and encouraging. It was a pleasure to know him, his kindness, and humor. Our thoughts and prays are with you all.
Trudy, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May you feel comfort and support through the strength of the Angels. Walt was always so fun to visit with. He will be missed by many. I am here anytime if you need a friend to lean on. Many Hugs for you! Cheryl
Our sympathy for the families. Remembering many times in 4-H when kids growing up. Kris
Our condolences to Walt's family. We're sure that he will be missed but is in the arms of Jesus now. We're thinking of you Trudy and praying for your peace. God bless you all, Bob and Micky Routson
Hello Trudy, I am so sorry to hear about Walt's passing. I can not think of Walt without hearing his voice telling me a story about almost anything. It seems he had a wealth of knowledge about almost anything and he was very willing to share. I hope things at home are going well for you and that you are enjoying those beautiful grandchildren. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you and I hope to see you sometime soon. love, Mark
I'll miss Walt. He was a true friend and a good person. So sorry for your loss.
Trudy and family, I am sorry for your loss. Hope you find peace and comfort in this difficult time.
Dear Trudy & family, May your memories give you some rest from the grief I know you all feel. In my thoughts and prayers, Pat Casey (unable to attend the service today)
Dear Trudy, I'm so sorry to hear of Walt's passing. Our prayers, love and condolences to you, Philip and Sarah and the family. Sincerely, Diana (for Bob and Diana Seabeck)
So sorry to hear of Walt's passing. We offer our condolences and prayers.
Trudy, I'm so sorry to have missed Walt's death. Bob has consumed almost all my time lately. I loved Walt and thought he was absolutely the most interesting man. He will truly be missed.
Sorry to here of the passing of Walt he was such a ray of sunshine. Thanks for the memories. Rick Anderson