Local legend, WWII veteran dies at 108

Thought to be the oldest man in Wisconsin, Reynolds Tomter, 108, was known locally for his kindness, wisdom, service to his country and, perhaps, for drinking more black coffee than anyone in the world.

Tomter passed away at Pigeon Falls Health Care Center on Sunday, concluding what he told the Times in 2024 was a “lucky” life. Tomter spent his entire life living in the Pigeon Falls area. He was known for his friendly smile and saying, “Have a nice day, unless you have other plans.” 

Tomter was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his service as a member of the Merchant Marines in World War II. That service also provided him with what he said was one of the biggest highlights in his life, attending the 80th anniversary of D-Day along the shores of Normandy in 2024. 

“I’ve been lucky all my life. But you know what, this tops everything. There is no way it’s even close to anything,” Tomter said in a 2024 interview with the Times. “It’s a highlight, it’s beyond anything I thought could happen.”

Tomter was a charter member of the Pigeon Falls Lions Club, which he belonged to for 65 years. He ran the Pigeon Falls General Store from 1939 to 1971, was a member of the local fire department and was involved in helping the village become incorporated. 

After he reached 100 years old, Tomter said he made a point to be active. He made it a goal to be out and socializing by 7:30 a.m. every day. 

“I’m making myself do that because I want to stay with the gang. I want to be with it. I don’t want to be left behind and left out,” Tomter said in 2024. “So, I get downtown to be with the guys. I think that has maybe helped me because it is so easy to just pull the covers up over your head and maybe lay there for half a day. But I make myself get up and get with it.” 

Tomter has said he lived such a long life because he was lucky and always maintained a positive attitude. Though, he joked that he had been drinking black coffee for more than 105 years and built a strong immune system by swimming in a creek near a cow pasture when he was young. 

Funeral arrangements were pending as of press time.