Reed William Masser

Although we would have loved to have more time with Reed Masser, we certainly can agree that our lives were more vibrant and so much fun because he was here. The greatest lesson he gave was to live life to the fullest every day something he did better than anyone else. Reed was a family man through and through who was famous for his barbeques and fish fries, his impromptu water fights, and the way he always took the long way home from anywhere. When Reed loved, he did so with all his heart leaving no question in the minds and hearts of his family and friends of just how much he cherished each and every one of us. A true gift in every sense of the word, Reed will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of many. With the end of WWII in 1945, America was making great strides forward as we were finally able to put the dark days of the Great Depression of the thirties behind us. Although the transition from being a nation at war to a nation at peace took some time, people celebrated the opportunity for a better life. Nestled within this transitional time was the year 1946 that boasted of popular musicians like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, a gallon of gas that cost just 15 cents, and a glimpse into what was to come with AT introduction of the first car phone. This was a significant year for one young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, for a much different reason since they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy on February 17th. Reed William was welcomed into the arms of his loving parents, Lloyd and Mildred (Cline) Masser, and was the oldest of four children in his family including his siblings Sharon, Daniel, and Mike. His father worked as an engineer while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Reed was raised in the family home in Lakeside where he was a rather mischievous young boy who left his mother fit to be tied on a fairly regular basis. He was even a bit of a prankster who found himself in some hot water the time he accidentally burned down the neighbors garage! In many ways, Reed experienced a childhood that was rather typical for the youth of his generation. He developed a love for hunting, fishing, and camping, and he also enjoyed fun-filled family times at a cottage on a small lake near Baldwin. Reed attended local schools including Nims, Bunker, and Muskegon High School. His years as a high school student were filled with cars, girls, and motorcycles, and he also shared a close friendship with John Weaver. After graduating from high school in 1964, Reed went into the Army. He was stationed in Germany for a time where he drove a tank. Reed also took some classes at a community college while he was in the service. Life was forever changed for Reed when he met the young woman with whom he would create the family he treasured. Her name was Kathy Fogarty and they met at the beach at Pere Marquette Park. After falling in love the couple was married in 1967. Together they were blessed with two children, Brian in 1969 and Brenda in 1974. Reed and Kathy raised their children in Muskegon until they divorced in 1985. In 1993 Reed moved out into the country where he built his farm. He loved everything about farming from tending to the land, planting, and watching the fruits of his labor come to life each year. In order to support his family Reed worked as a machine operator at Sappi Fine Paper for 38 years until he retired in 2007. Although his work took him away from home, his family was always his main focus. As a father Reed was second to none as he was caring, generous, and full of unconditional love and acceptance. He was involved in his childrens activities when he could be and was always supportive of them in everything they did. New and exciting changes were in store for Reed when he married Jeri Shannon-Westra in 1996. They had been friends for many years and with their union, they blended two separate families into one with her two daughters, Meghan and Emily, in addition to Reeds two children. There were countless memories made on the farm whether they were having a family celebration of some kind, sharing laughter around the campfire, or just enjoying each others company. When grandchildren began arriving Reed was thrilled as they immediately joined their parents as the center of Reeds universe. Known as PaPa to his grandchildren, Reed was such a special grandfather to all five of them. The Massers had special traditions like campfires, fish fries, and camping under the stars on weekends. They also enjoyed vacationing together with their final vacation as a family taking place just this past spring. There were so many things that filled Reeds life as he took every moment captive. He loved so many things like riding his Harley-Davidson, boating, fishing, camping, vacationing in Florida, diving, snorkeling, and skiing both on the water and on the snow. Reed also enjoyed tubing behind the boat, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. There were always animals around whether they were family pets or animals on the farm, and he never let a water hose lie on the ground as there was nothing he loved more than a good old fashioned water fight. Not only did Reed usually take the long way home, but he also never took the same way twice. Reed Masser was such a special man in so many ways. He was honest and straightforward and could even be a bit stubborn at times, yet he was also giving and compassionate with every opportunity that came his way. Reed was known for his unwavering strength as he never complained about anything even when faced with times of great trial. He was outgoing and social with countless friends with whom he shared so much laughter. Although he had so much to be proud of, there was nothing that made his heart sing more than the children and grandchildren who follow in his footsteps. The memories he leaves behind will never fade away. Reed Masser died on Tuesday, June 14, 2011. Reeds family includes his wife, Jeri; son, Brian (Kim) Masser of Brooklyn MI; daughter, Brenda (Dan) Howard of Muskegon; stepdaughters, Emily (Rico) Strunk of Grand Rapids, Meghan (Sam) Lazerson of NJ; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Nathan, Kyle, Elli, Sammie; brothers, Mike Masser & Daniel Masser of Muskegon; sister, Sharon (Robert) Peterman of Muskegon. Reed was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Tom & Gerry Shannon. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 17, 2011, 3:00 p.m. and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon. Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Memorial donation may be directed to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.