John A. Reitz

John Anthony Reitz, 87, of St. Joseph passed away peacefully at his home, Friday, March 22, 2013. He was surrounded by his loving wife Rose and family members. John was born on June 14, 1925 in Chicago, IL. His family then moved to South Bend, IN where he attended John Adams High School. He served in the United States Marine Corp from 1943-1946. John saw action from Guadalcanal to Okinawa until the Japanese surrendered. He attended the University of Notre Dame where he graduated in 1949 with a Business major degree and a minor in Marketing and Accounting. The majority of his working career included Vice Pres. of Inter City Bank, Benton Harbor, General Mgr. of The Holiday Inn, Saint Joseph, and D.C. Cook Plant in Bridgman where he retired at the age of 74. He was an active member of the Saint Joseph Catholic Church where he volunteered at the rectory. He also volunteered at the Soup Kitchen and the RSVP program for the City of Saint Joseph. John enjoyed his flower garden, was an avid reader, loved classic movies, attended college classes well after he retired and saw 14 presidents through office. John is survived by his wife, Rose Clark Reitz, his sister Eleanor Borzilleri of Maryland, 7 Children-John Anthony Reitz,Jr., Connie (Barry) Younggreen, Anne Reitz, Chris Reitz, Karen Hayter, Patrick (Patty) Clark, Lorrie (Jack) Biegalski; 15 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. A memorial mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church St., St. Joseph on Saturday May 11th at 10:00am with a luncheon following at the Rose Center. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in John’s memory to Hospice at Home or the national Shrine of Saint Judes. Those wishing to sign John’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.