We are sad to announce the passing of our father, David Anthony Reiter, of St. Louis, MO. He died January 14, 2026, at the age of 85. David was born to Nicholas and Ruth (Benisch) Reiter on January 10, 1941. He is the beloved husband of the late Lynn F Reiter; loving father of Keri and Craig Reiter; dear brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend.
David is a proud alum of St. Mary’s Catholic high school in South St. Louis, MO. In 1964 David graduated from Washington University in St Louis and, afterward, enjoyed a long career in sales and marketing. Upon retirement he pursued his passion, history, and in 2006 obtained a Master’s Degree in American History from the University of Missouri.
In furtherance of his passion for history David became a volunteer state & national park history docent and he organized a history book club at his community in Arizona. As a history docent, he contributed thousands of volunteer hours to numerous state and national parks around the country, to include; the Museum at the Gateway Arch National Park, the Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site, the Grand Portage National Monument, the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and the Tumacacori National Historic Park.
Also, David was an avid cyclist for over forty years. During these years he was actively involved in the cycling communities in both St. Louis, MO and at his winter home in Arizona. He frequently dedicated time and effort to help coordinate cycling events and lead organized rides.
David’s dedication and devotion to his passions, history and cycling, touched many lives and his presence will be missed by all.
The memorial for David Reiter will be a private ceremony with only immediate family members present. Memorial donations to the National Park Foundation (give.nationalparks.org) or to St Mary’s High School (https://www.stmaryshs.com/support-smssc) are appreciated.
Keri,Craig ,RuthAnn and Larry, please accept our sincere condolences of the loss of our Cousin David.
He was a larger than life individual!
Always fun ,informative,and interesting to be with. He will be missed by many.
Ed and I will keep you and the entire Reiter family in our prayers at this difficult
Time.
RIP dear cousin.
Love,Ed and Jane
My condolences on the passing of your father. I have many fond memories of him at Palm Creek where he so wonderfully led the bike group here. One especially fond moment was on one of our trips when I was following behind him and realized that he was wearing sandals and that the sandals were clipped onto his pedals. As a biker from Canada I found it both amusing and amazing. He was definitely a dedicated biker. Our coffee stops were full of wonderful stories. Both your parents will be deeply missed but always fondly remembered.
So sad to hear that we have lost one of our best. His spirit and energy were certainly enviable and inspirational. I always enjoyed (and was impressed by) his accounts of his activities when he was able to come to our class gatherings over the years.
Condolences and prayers for you and him.
Joe Komadina, SMHS ’58
Aloha, I remember Dave from high school times, roller skating, Teen Town at St Anthony’s. We hung out together. A nice, fun guy. Blessings on him and his family.
I’m very sorry to hear of the loss of Dave Reiter. I worked with Mr. Reiter at Gateway Arch National Park during the years he volunteered there. He was always a good conversationalist and, as a fellow graduate in history at UMSL, we always had much in common to talk about. He fully participated as a volunteer, and contributed greatly.
John Pellarin, National Park Service Ranger, retired.
He was the cycling club leader for many years at the Palm Creek resort in Casa Grande AZ. And a club member in the l photography club. It was a joy to be around him & he in cycling found new routes to take all the time that made our short stays in AZ so enjoyable. Our condolences to the Reiter family => Armin & Carol Tata
Deepest sympathies on the loss of your loving dad. I had no idea he had such a passion for history or for the national parks— how cool. My hubby would’ve loved to spend time talking history with uncle Dave! We are National Parker’s and always love the docents we meet when we are heading out for hikes!!
I pray uncle Daves’s soul is at peace and that he will enjoy many heavenly bike rides with Jesus at his side!