Richard Christian Reitz, 91, beloved father and husband, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Casper, Wyoming passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.
Dick was born the eldest of four children on November 26, 1931, in North Platte, Nebraska to Christian and Rosa Reitz. He grew up in the Paxton community on the family farm south of town. He graduated from Paxton High School in 1949 then attended the University of Colorado and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in English in 1953. Dick joined the United States Navy and served as a journalist from 1953 to 1955. He met and married Phyllis Ann Parker on July 23, 1955, in Maine and he earned a Masters degree in English Literature from Middlebury College in 1960. Dick and Phyllis had two daughters, Delia and Jill. He dearly loved his wife and daughters and the young family enjoyed many long trips camping and traveling together during the summers. Dick had a long and successful career as an English teacher, division chair, and administrator at Casper College. After retirement, Dick and Phyllis travelled full time throughout North America for nine years in their motor home.
Dick was an accomplished photographer and owned and piloted his own airplane. He was also an active hunter and fly fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors. He later became an author and published his books of autobiography (“Home” and “Leaving Lakehouse”), poetry (“Shortgrass Prairie” and “Prairie, Mountain, Desert and Beyond”), and hunting and fishing (“Internal Landscape, External Reality”).
Richard C. Reitz is survived by his wife Phyllis Reitz, of Mesa, Arizona, daughter Jill (Jerry) Sullivan, of Tucson, Arizona, brother Michael Reitz, of Rockledge, Florida, sister in law Nancy Michaels, of North Platte, Nebraska, two nephews, six nieces and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Delia Reitz, sister Rosalee Lewis, brother Timothy Reitz, sister-in law Isabell Reitz, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Dick’s ashes will be scattered at his beloved Alcova Reservoir in Natrona County, Wyoming where he enjoyed boating and where he spent many happy years with family and friends.
Tributes or Memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund at JDRF.org.
It has been our great honor to be Dick and Phyllis’ neighbor these last few years. I have cherished my time getting to know this truly amazing couple and will miss Dick, our conversations and his pictures. Our sincere condolences. We’re here to assist in any way.
I have many fond memories of my brother and will miss his intellect. Even though we ended up across the country from each other, he was in my thoughts. Good bye brother. Rest in peace.
Rest in peace Uncle Dick. What an amazing life you lead. Our thoughts and prayers are with Aunt Phyllis and Jill and Jerry.
With deepest sympathy and sincere condolences. We are so sorry for Dick’s passing. You are in our prayers Jill and Jerry.
At Ogallala, Nebraska, high school, I had Mr. Reitz as my English teacher. 1960-61 school year. Great teacher.
It was a pleasure knowing you and your poetry through your daughter Jill. Thankfully, your writings will live on long after our living memories have faded. With love, David and Martha Sullivan 2023