Build a House, Make Memories, Repeat

Jeff and Connie Reuer were inspired to build new houses when they became empty nesters; twice.

By Troy McQuillen

Connie Reuer sought the help of Montgomery's in Aberdeen to fulfill her design vision for many rooms in the interior of the home. All photos were taken by Troy McQuillen.

The community of Prairiewood Village was established in the 1970s along with the Moccasin Creek Country Club. It goes without saying that those who love to golf tend to seek out property in Prairiewood Village. As is the case with Connie and Jeff Reuer.

We caught up with the empty-nest couple just as the finishing touches were being completed on their new house in Prairiewood. In fact, we provided photography services for Montgomery’s who wanted their furniture and décor captured for the new house. Since we are always excited to be able to feature new homes in Aberdeen Magazine, we are appreciative that Connie and Jeff allowed us to feature it here.

Connie and Jeff Reuer. Photo taken by Troy McQuillen.

This new house just happens to be Jeff and Connie’s fourth custom-built home in Prairiewood. Their new home is a one-story, three-bedroom that sits on a bluff overlooking the golf course. They’ve been able to secure lots each time they were ready to build. However, “the next house” was never really in the plans for the couple. Connie swore their last home was the absolute last house they would build. Especially since the last house contained the memories of their youngest daughters growing up. She felt a little better after her daughters presented her with a coffee mug that says, “Home is Where Mom is.”

They sold their last house in August of 2021 with the intent to downsize. They found this and started planning. Jeff, the owner of Custom Sheet Metal, served as the general contractor, selecting, and coordinating all the sub-contractors. Plus, he did a lot of the work himself as he enjoys building.

Even though the Reuers are empty nesters, there are still plenty of bedrooms for when their daughters and grandkids visit. Photo taken by Troy McQuillen.

Years back, after their oldest daughter took off for college, the Reuers, being empty nesters, decided to sell their first home and build another. Then they had two more daughters and relocated to Denver for three years. Upon returning to Aberdeen to take over Custom Sheet Metal, they built their third house. Connie said she was never moving again except to a nursing home or the cemetery. But Jeff assured her he has one more house in him yet.

After the two daughters moved out, once again they found themselves empty nesters and Jeff poured his sweat and blood on the project. The front door weights over 1,200 pounds and at some point, Jeff found himself pinned underneath it when it fell over. Connie isn’t exactly sure how she and her daughter were able to free him from under it, but they did. A trip to the ER and a few stiches to the forehead later, Jeff was back at it. //