CANTON - Dr. Dennis A. Reter, 71, of Canton passed away at 1:54 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2014, at Graham Hospital Emergency Room in Canton.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and healer.

Born Sept. 22, 1942, in Chicago to Walter and Lillian (Mullen) Reter, he married Virginia Cochrane on Nov. 27, 1965, in Chicago.

Surviving his passing are his wife; three children and their families, Jude and Clare Reter of Chicago, Liz and Eric Einwiller of Oakland, Calif., and Dr. Jason and Alice Reter of Sterling, Ill. Their seven grandchildren, Griffin and Truman Reter, Ian and Owen Einwiller and Ellen, Maya, and Walter Reter, miss him dearly. His two brothers, James and Ronald Reter; and one sister, Cathy Gotz, also survive and mourn their dear brother.

He was preceded in death by his parents and older sister, Jane.

Dr. Reter's path to our community began in Chicago with his graduation from St. Patrick's High School; Loyola University, where he and Virginia met; and the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. He was an active member and past president of The Illinois Osteopathic Association.

The gifted and passionate physician led his family practice, in Canton, from 1972 until his retirement in 2007. His down-to-earth manner and wicked humor were appreciated, loved and respected by every life that he touched. A one-of-a-kind individual, he was a spiritual and community focused man. He gave back without question through his practice. Dennis co-founded the Spoon River Hospice of Graham Hospital and volunteered at the Fulton County Health and Wellness Clinic, Canton YMCA and Fulton County Humane Society.

Dennis injected his caring human approach and passion for learning into everything he did. His recurrent mantra, "the never ending battle to fight disease and to save mankind," was reflected in his care for his patients, by actively teaching medical and nursing students throughout his career and through his active roles at the Coleman Clinic, Graham Hospital and the Fulton County Health Department.

He always stopped to smell the flowers. He enjoyed working outdoors and hiking with his grandchildren, and he was a curious and consummate traveler. Above all else, his life pursuit was focused on love, love. The time he spent with family and friends reflected that joy in every conversation, joke and the deep listening ear he always had to bend. He will be missed by many.

Services will be on Wednesday, April 30, 2014, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Canton. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Murphy-Sedgwick Memorial Home in Canton. Cremation rites will follow the services.

Memorials, while not necessary, may be made to the Humane Society of Fulton County or to Fulton County Health and Wellness Clinic.

To view Dr. Reter's memorial DVD and submit online condolences, please go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.