Reuben grew up in the Copper Country, the son of a Finnish copper miner. He graduated from Calumet High school in 1937 where he was a member of the Glee Club.

During WWII he served in the army as an airplane mechanic and advanced to flight school. In January of 1944 he was appointed a flight officer and was stationed in Europe. As 2nd Lieutenant and co-pilot he flew 17 B-24 missions over enemy territory. He was awarded the air medal with oak leaf cluster in recognition of his service.

In 1946 he met Amelia Sjoblom in Detroit. They were married in 1947 in Bootjack and then settled in Detroit to raise a family.

In 1953 he became a Christian and as a member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church he gave his time to many roles. He was Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Board member, and lay preacher throughout the years.

He worked for Thompson communications in Detroit and eventually owned the business which he renamed Sound Applications.

In 1976 he returned to the copper country and became the administrator for the Laurium Elder's Home. He served there until retirement. Retirement allowed he and his wife to travel, spending one winter in Chicago and then many in Florida. They then came to the Ann Arbor area where Reuben and Amelia worked for the University of Michigan student registration. In recent years Reuben and Amelia resided in Chelsea at The Pines, senior apartments. This past June they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.

We remember Reuben's love of singing, his ability to fix almost anything, his enjoyment of sports. He enjoyed writing letters and articles. He had a unique sense of humor. He was devoted to studying the Bible and the work of the Apostolic Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife, Amelia, his children: Glenn, Carol (Dan) VanDerWoude, Joyce (David) Miller, James (Tynan), and Kristine. Also his grandchildren: Sara (Philip) Anderson, Julia (Kirk) Zahn, Joel VanDerWoude, Nathan Miller, Joshua Miller, Sam Miller, Abigail Miller and great grandchildren: Luke and Ruth Anderson. Also surviving are his sister Ruby West and brother Ray (Lynda) Peterson. His mother and father, Oscar and Mary Peterson, his sister Ruth Sharbatz, and two grandchildren preceded him in death.

The Peterson family is planning visitation 1-3 PM Saturday with Funeral Service at 3:00 p.m. at Thayer-Rock Funeral Home, Pastor James Mickelsen presiding. Memorial contributions suggested to Our Saviour Apostolic Lutheran Church, 54899 8 Mile Road, Northville, MI 48167.