Meredith L. Reiter

1938 - 2024

Meredith L Reiter "M"

BILLINGS - Meredith L Reiter "M" 85, passed peacefully in his home in Billings, MT on July 10th after battling heart disease for over 40 years. Meredith was a businessman, a leader, a loyal friend, and loving father and papa.

M was born to George and Emma Kreb Reiter on December 23rd, 1938 in Billings, MT. He grew up in Billings and graduated from Senior High School in 1957, Go Broncs! He attended Montana State for one year then decided to follow in his father's footsteps and joined him at George Reiter and Sons Construction. He spent 6 years in the Army Reserve as an E5. George Reiter and Sons later became Empire Sand and Gravel. Eventually M would take over ownership and operations of Empire along with his brother Greg and sister Sandra. Empire was a successful heavy highway construction company operating in Montana and Wyoming for over 40 years.

In addition to his 20 years in leadership at Empire, Meredith also served in leadership positions for the AGC and was appointed as the district 5 Representative to the Montana Transportation Commission by Governor Judy Martz. He was also an active member of the masonic lodge, Rimrock lodge 149, and Al Bedoo Shrine. He was member of the Union of Operating Engineers.

M was a leader and innovator on the construction scene. He surrounded himself with smart, capable, and hardworking people. M was a skilled operator and passionate about highway construction and creative solutions with road building technologies. He took great pride in his business, and supported his employees, friends, and associates with a commitment to excellence and advancement in road construction. Empire led projects, won many awards and incentives, due to that commitment.

He spent his professional life building lifelong relationships in the construction industry. In Meredith's personal life he enjoyed traveling, golfing, working out at the Y, drinking coffee with his buddies and a tasty fine dining experience. He enjoyed taking vacations with his family to Mexico, Hawaii and other warm destinations. He spent his later years in Palm Desert, CA, golfing, shooting trap, smoking cigars, drinking coffee, taste testing meals before they were served, making new friends and never missing a happy hour. He delighted in his grandchildren.

Meredith is preceded in death by his mother and father, George and Emma Reiter.

Meredith is survived by his wife, Janet of Billings; his sister and brother, Sandra Reiter and Greg Reiter(Stacey) of Billings; son, Mark Lyman (Judy) of Arizona; daughter, Tracy Marsh (Barry) of Billings; son, Nick Reiter (Kari) of Billings; daughter, Mary Kofstad (Kevin) of Oregon; daughter, Annie Earley of Billings; daughter, Kitty Racicot (Joe) of Missoula; and son, John Earley (Anna) Oregon. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and two nieces and a nephew.

We will celebrate M with a private family Mass. Please plan to join us in Celebration of a Life well lived, at Hilands Golf Club on Tuesday July 16th from 5-7pm.

In lieu of flowers and condolence's, donations may be made to IMH St. Vincent's hospital cardiac rehab or St. Bernards Catholic Church.