William “Bill” Henry Reitz
November 13, 1943 to August 1, 2026
Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
Loving father of Catherine (T.J.) Determan. Dearest grandpa of Rain and Henry Determan. Beloved brother of Mary Barsos and Carl (Carolyn) Reitz, and brother-in-law of Hollis Reitz. Beloved son of the late Henry “Harry” and Henrietta (nee:Hefty) Reitz, former husband of the late Marian T. Reitz (nee: Meixner), late brother, Ronald F. Reitz, and brother-in-law, Peter J. Barsos. Our dear godfather, uncle, great-uncle, cousin, fraternity brother, and loyal friend to many.
Life & Legacy
Bill cherished time spent with his family and friends, especially his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. He was immensely proud to watch his granddaughter perform in dance recitals and to cheer on his grandson at basketball, soccer, and baseball games. He loved playing games, sharing his wisdom, and enjoying a relaxing afternoon on the back deck.
Bill attended St. Agnes Catholic School and graduated from St. Mary’s High School (Class of ’61), where he remained an active alum. He attended Harris Teachers College, earning membership in the Lambda Beta Lambda fraternity and regularly participating in meetings and social events. He continued his education at the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) earning a bachelor’s, and later at South Florida University, where he earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.
Bill lived in Florida multiple times throughout his life and always loved returning to visit. In his younger years, he enjoyed snorkeling, spear fishing, and boating, taking several memorable trips on the water. His career at TWA fueled a lifelong passion for travel, allowing him to explore many countries. Closer to home, Bill loved meeting friends for meals, watching Mizzou football and St. Louis Cardinals baseball, or relaxing with a classic western movie. Bill was a passionate member of the local sports community, serving for many years as a softball umpire at several St. Louis parks, most notably Berra Park, Lindenwood Park, and Forest Park. He was a dedicated fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals and live music, particularly the Compton Heights Concert Band. He also proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Services: Funeral from Kutis City Chapel 2906 Gravois Ave. Wednesday August 12, 9:30 AM to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church for 10:00 AM mass. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation Tuesday August 11, 4:00-8:00 PM.
Memorials
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
- Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
- Siteman Cancer Center
Sorry for your loss. Keep your hearts filled with all the good memories.
You are my colleague’s Dad. Catherine talked about you and how you enjoyed her kids. You will be missed. May you rest in peace.
Bill will be sadly missed by many. As a fellow Dragon graduate, Bill was very involved in St. Mary’s alumni activities. Bill always had an opinion no matter what the subject and was always willing to defend his opinion. I followed his health history for some time and I truly admired his strength in facing the inevitable. Bill maintained his deep faith through the end. Rest in Peace ole Friend until we meet again.
So sorry for your loss
Leadership. The Bill I knew always had a way forward and carried others along with him. He was inquisitive, perhaps stubborn at times, and yes, courageous. Life was not easy for him in the later years because of his health. But it did not stop him. As mentioned, he was an active member of the St. Mary’s High School Class of 1961, a fixture at our bi-monthly meetings, and usually the first one there. He will be missed.
I remember William Bill as a very nice guy with lots of friends. So sorry for your family’s loss. He leaves many happy memories.
Bill, you will be sadly missed. What a great person all these years, a good class mate and fun to person to be with.
Sorry for the family loss.
Bill will be remembered for his leadership as President of Lambda Beta Lambda Alumni Social Fraternity. His participation in Lambda’s Founders Day Celebration each year was greatly appreciated.!
God Bless Bill.
Sincerely,
Ron Hoffmann Lambda Beta Lambda
Sending heartfelt condolences to your family for your loss. As a colleague of Catherine’s, I understood through her stories that he was as devoted to family as you were to him.
Keeping you in my thoughts.
Cathy, my sincere condolences to you, TJ and kids. I always loved conversations with your father. He had many stores and was very patient to listen to your stores as well. I’ll miss you Bill and look forward to when we can have another beer and conversation in the next life.
Bill was a good man. A real friend. Proud to be a graduate of St. Mary’s. Talented in many ways and not afraid tackle what most of us would shy away from. Who else would build a boat of steel in St. Louis and sail it down the inland waterway to Florida? He loved people and his lawn parties were attended by many over several summers. We had the pleasure of spending time with his mother. She raised a good son. Bill loved life and fought bravely till the end.
I spent some time with Bill in his last days. We talked about important things and know that he is with the Lord today in a much better place.
Bill umpired many a softball game for our team over many years, and was an all-round swell guy. Last year, when our opponents had too few players and had to forfeit, Bill salvaged our time by leading both teams through a fun game/drill that he called “rounds.” He could’ve easily just taken an hour’s break but chose instead to engage and have fun with us. Those that knew him best have truly lost a treasure. Peace be with all of you.