Reinhart H Leitke

Rein's life began on June 17, 1921 in Dowagiac, the son of Henry and Matlida (Tabus) Leitke. He served his country in the United States Air Force during World War II in the Western Pacific. Rein was united in marriage to Tina M. Hiemstra on March 12, 1941 in South Bend. He was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dowagiac and was active in the St. John's Men's Club. Rein and Tina operated Leitke's Grocery in Dowagiac for 62 ½ years and the store was the oldest independent grocery in Michigan at their retirement. Rein had been a member of the Dowagiac Conservation Club. His greatest joy was his family which includes his wife of 69 years Tina M. Leitke of Dowagiac, children Alice Robbins of Dowagiac, Tom Leitke of Granger, Sue (David) Frazier of Dowagiac, Judy (Kent) Truitt of Dowagiac and Kathy Leitke of Kalamazoo, grandchildren Lori (Derek) Demmon, Jennifer (Dennis) Whitaker, Stacy (Mike) Behnke, Sherry Robbins, Kevin Frazier, Katie (Jesse) Charles, Melissa Leitke, Emily (David) Gillesby, Jeremy Truitt, Kristi Frazier, Brandon Truitt, Thomas Leitke, Henry Leitke, Lindsey Truitt and Rachael Leitke, great grandchildren Hannah Whitaker, Zechary Huston, Tyler Huston, Greta Whitaker, Kelsi Demmon, Meg Charles, Bryanna Behnke, Brady Frazier and Kyle Boomer, sisters Adelia ( Earl) Weaver of Niles, and Edith Willis of Dowagiac. Rein passed away on January 21, 2011 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He is preceded in death by a son Henry “Heinie” Leitke and a grandson Bryan Frazier. His family will gather with friends on Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel. His funeral will be held at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church on Tuesday at 11 a.m. led by Pastor Jeffrey Weber. Rein will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Rein at www.yazel-clark.com