William D. Reber

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Reber, William D. Rio Verde, AZ - 88, died on February 11, 2018 in Rio Verde, AZ. with his wife and children by his side. Surviving Bill, is his wife Betty of 65 years, daughter Mary (Greg) Desjardin, Auburn, ME; son William (Darcy) Edina, MN; grandchildren Alexandra Desjardin (Adam) NYC, Anna Desjardin, Phx, AZ, W. Joshua (Katie), Matthew and Samantha Edina, MN; sister Faye Reber, Bloomington, MN. Bill was born in Braham, Minnesota, August 2, 1929 to Lyle and Olga Reber. He graduated from Cambridge High School and earned his Bachelor's degree in English and Speech at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. His love for the art of language and music led him to both his occupation and his hobbies. Bill married his wife, Betty in 1952 and they moved to New Ulm where he taught high school english, speech and debate. During his teaching years he found great pleasure in coaching the debate team and led a theater troupe in various class plays. In 1954, Bill and Betty moved to Minneapolis to raise their two children while Bill taught english at Patrick Henry high school. After the school year of 1957, he resigned as a teacher and joined the Account Management Department at Campbell Methuen Advertising Agency, launching his new career. While at Campbell Methuen, he was busy raising his family and getting his Master's Degree in Speech and Theater from the U of M. In 1965 he had the opportunity to join the advertising agency Batton, Barton, Durnstine and Osborne (BBDO). By 1970 Bill was asked to move his family to Boston to manage the BBDO office. After 5 years in Boston, he moved his passion for the ad business back to Minneapolis as the Senior VP and General Manager of the BBDO Minneapolis (now Omnicom Group). Bill was active on numerous boards and organizations even after retirement. They allowed him to continue his enthusiasm for writing and music. He served as an active member on the Board of the Minnesota Orchestra, the BBDO Domestic Board of Agency, The United Way, Piper Jaffray ESOP Board and the Society of Fine Arts, and more. By the early 1980's Bill and Betty would split their time between Edina, MN. and Rio Verde AZ where they welcomed their children and 5 grandkids. Bill was most happy when he was with his children and grandchildren, fine-tuning their athleticism, music, the grasp of the english language and his love for family. He enjoyed singing in the Rio Verde choir for over 30 years. Memorials can be made to Verde Cares or Community Church of the Verdes. VerdeCares Inc. 18934 Avenida Del Ray, Suite 106 Rio Verde, AZ 85263 Church of the Verdes 25603 N. Danny Ln., Rio Verde, AZ.

Published on February 25, 2018