Search by Name

Search by Name

Ralph Reitz

1944 - 2024

Ralph Reitz obituary, 1944-2024, Lawrence, KS

Ralph Reitz Obituary

Mass of Christian Burial for Ralph Kermit Reitz, 79, Lawrence, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Ralph passed away peacefully on Friday, April 5, 2024 at LMH Health surrounded by family and friends as mass was being said by his old friend, Father John Schmeidler. Ralph had been fighting Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer complicated by pneumonia.

Ralph was born on July 16, 1944 to Ralph and Lucille (Mollhagen) Reitz at MacDill AFB in Tampa, Florida. He graduated from Salina High School in 1962 and earned his

degree in business from Emporia State. He served his country in the Air National Guard and began a career with Mobil Oil in Kansas City and St. Louis. He returned to Salina in 1973 where he had many business interests which he sold and became an investment broker with AG Edwards and Sons. Ralph was a former member of Rotary and a Paul Harris Fellow. After his father's passing, he retired to Lawrence in 1995 to manage the family farms and his personal investments.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved grandson, William. He is survived by his wife, Jean; daughter, Jennifer (Steve); son, Randall; siblings, Sid (Susy), Kenneth; grandsons, Jonathan and Steven; and many nieces and nephews.

Thank you to the Lawrence Presbyterian Manor for their care of Ralph.

We love you and will miss your bright light until we meet again.

A Rosary will be recited prior to the service at 10 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ralph's name to St. John Catholic School, Corpus Christi Catholic School, or The William Gregory Dennis Scholarship Fund (for Holy Trinity Catholic School boys attending Rockhurst High School) and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Apr. 9, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Reitz

Not sure what to say?





Make a Donation
in Ralph Reitz's name

Memorial Events
for Ralph Reitz

Apr

11

Rosary

10:00 a.m.

Corpus Christi Catholic Church

KS

Apr

11

Mass of Christian Burial

10:30 a.m.

Corpus Christi Catholic Church

KS

Funeral services provided by:

Warren-McElwain Mortuary & Cremation Services - Lawrence Chapel

120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044

How to support Ralph's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Ralph Reitz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more