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    Doug Reiter dead at 59

    Doug Reiter, long-time supporter of the Don Bosco High School wrestling program and father to three Iowa high school state champions -- including two four-time titlists -- lost his two-year battle with brain cancer Saturday evening. He was 59.

    Doug Reiter
    One of his sons, Mack Reiter, three-time NCAA All-American at University of Minnesota, posted this tribute on Facebook: "Dad passed away last night around 11 pm from his battle with brain cancer. He was home in bed sleeping with mom. He was the greatest man I've ever known and I've tried to be like him every day for as long as I can remember. There are no words to describe the void he has left behind. I love you dad. I'm sure going to miss you."

    Mack Reiter was the 13th four-time state champ in the history of the Iowa state high school tournament; brother Bart, the 18th. Joe was a state champ, while Eddie was a four-time state placewinner. Doug Reiter's daughters, Audrey and Ellie, both served as team managers at Don Bosco in Gilbertville, Iowa, just outside Waterloo.

    Doug Reiter was a local homebuilder who employed those talents to providing sports facilities for the young people of Gilbertville. He helped build the dugouts for both the softball and baseball fields, and built the new wrestling room at Don Bosco High School.

    Reiter was diagnosed with brain cancer in November 2013. The community pitched in to help by producing T-shirts with the message "Takedown Cancer, Bosco Style." They raised more than $9,000; however, Reiter asked that all proceeds be donated to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

    "It was always about the kids," former Don Bosco wrestling coach Tom Kettman told Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier sports columnist Jim Nelson. "Not just his kids, all the kids. He was a mentor to a lot of kids. His family, his wife, Janet, are proof of what an outstanding father, individual and heart he had."

    Douglas Joseph Reiter was born June 10, 1956, in Waterloo. He graduated from La Porte City High School with the class of 1974. On October 17, 1981, he married Janet Delagardelle. Doug was a farmer who continued farming right up until he was no longer able, according to his obituary from White Funeral Home in Jesup. After high school, Reiter launched his career in the building trade; in 1984 he established Reiter Construction, building pole barns and houses. He gave his time to supporting the wrestling program at Don Bosco High, as well as to Immaculate Conception Church and its Catholic Order of Foresters.

    Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Immaculate Conception Church in Gilbertville. Visitation is from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the church and for an hour before services Thursday.

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