Veteran celebrating 108th birthday says he’s been drinking black coffee since he was 2

PIGEON FALLS, Wis. (WEAU/Gray News) - Reynolds Tomter celebrated a milestone birthday on Sunday with friends and family.

“People are surprised at how old I’ve gotten to be, but so am I!” Tomter said.

Tomter, who turned 108 in April, said he is still surprised to be chugging along.

“When I sat down at home that evening, at 100, I thought, ‘My God, I’m 100 years old. That’s awful!’” he said.

Tomter said he is still enjoying life.

Tomter’s granddaughter, Beth Warner, said every year is “another gift.”

Two of Tomter’s friends, Jeff and Dennis, shared their excitement for their friend’s milestone birthday.

“He wouldn’t say a bad word about anybody. He’s a sweetheart! Like a grandpa to me, or my dad. A lot of words of wisdom come from his mouth,” they said.

Tomter said he might have a secret to making it to 108.

“I’ve been drinking coffee for 106 years. Black coffee for 106 years! Still going!” he said.

At 108, Tomter still talks about his days in the military.

“Towards the bottom of the ship, working day after day, all day long. Making bread, cake, cookies, desserts. That was my job for the crew,” he said.

Tomter said when he got home, his family was glad to have him back. Now, he is present in the lives of his children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.

“It’s hard to capture really, the impact that he’s had,” Warner said “And what he has seen in his life, if you think about how much the world has changed, but to me he’s just been my grandpa.”

Warner said Tomter has been a “legendary figure” for his family and community.

“His engagement, and the love he gives to others, this is how people repay him for that. They want him to know that they care about him and they want to celebrate him,” she said

Tomter hopes to have another celebration next year when he turns 109.

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