Robert (Bob) Reitz of Anderson, Indiana, 94, died July 15, 2021. He was born October 9, 1926 in Buffalo, NY, the first of four children of Edwin and Viola (Haller) Reitz.
Bob served in the US Navy during WWII. He graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1949 with an industrial engineering degree. He was an engineer at Food Machinery and Chemical Corporation and at Kimberly Clark Corporation before moving to Anderson, IN in 1957 to join Warner Press where he became executive vice president. In 1963, Bob joined Layman Life Insurance Company as president. He retired in 1986. He also served as president of the Indiana Life Insurance Company Association.
He was a member of Citizens Bank board of directors; trustee of Community Hospital, Anderson; chairman of Crestview Rehabilitation Center; president of the Anderson Chamber of Commerce; and the first chairman of the Anderson Economic Development Committee.
He served as president of The United Way, Madison County; treasurer of the Boy Scout Council; and president of Noon Kiwanis Club. He was a founding member of Leadership Academy, Madison County Foundation, and the Anderson Symphony Orchestra Board.
Bob was active in national and local organizations of the Church of God. Trustee of Anderson University, vice-chairman of the Board of Church Extension, and a member of the board of Warner Press. Active as a member of Park Place Church and Pathways Sunday school class for over 60 years.
Bob loved sports – especially golf. He played every week even into his 90s. His great joy was having scored a hole-in-one three times.
Bob dedicated his life to Christ as a teenager and enjoyed opportunities to serve God all his years.
Bob is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Jean (Boelke) Reitz whom he married June 4th 1949. Also surviving are a sister and brother-in-law Marianne and Fred Nieman, daughter Lou Ann Huey (Gregg), daughter Laura Lee Thomas (Brian-deceased), sister-in-law Fran Reitz Kaefer (Al), six grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his son Larry Reitz, brother and sister-in-law Gordon and Sandy Reitz, and brother Alfred Reitz.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 11:30 at Park Place Church of God, 501 College Drive. Visitation will be at 10:30 prior to the service. A burial of cremated remains will take place in East Maplewood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to Park Place Church of God or The Christian Center, 625 Main Street, Anderson, IN 46016.
Arrangements were handled by Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service.