LIVERMORE FALLS – Reuel L. Nelke, 86, died peacefully late Saturday evening, May 5, at his home on Church Street.

He was born May 3, 1921, in Livermore, the son of Bert and Lou (LaRose) Nelke.

He attended school in the Livermore school system. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

On July 23, 1941, in Livermore, he married Ilene A. DeCosta; she passed away on Nov. 12, 2005.

He was an excecutive for Norrwock Shoe in the transportation department.

He retired at 65, and he and his wife opened R & I’s Red Store in Pittsfield.

He was a member of the Skowhegan Methodist Church and the Kennel Club and enjoyed showing their ShihTzu and Pekingese dogs throughout the state.

He is survived by his daughter, Alice Nelke of Livermore Falls; two grandsons, Duane Tweedie and his wife, Janet, of Turner; and Jeff Tweedie and his wife, Jennifer, of Winthrop; three great-grandchildren, Desiree Tweedie and twins, Camden and Shane Tweedie.

He was predeceased by his son, Brian Nelke, in 1973; as well as three brothers and a sister.