William "Bill" Robert Reitz

William “Bill” Robert Reitz died peacefully at home on August 19, 2024, at the age of 92. Bill was born in Ixonia, on March 5, 1932, on a farm to the late Ella (nee Frank) and Henry Reitz. He was the youngest of six. After Bill was born, the family moved to Oconomowoc.

Bill attended St. Matthew’s School in Oconomowoc and Oconomowoc High School, and entered the United States Marine Corps at age 19 during the Korean War. He served in the USMC as a Corporal and radio operator and was stationed in San Diego and Japan.

Bill wed his sweetheart, Marjorie Lee Gauerke, in 1954. They were married for 70 years and had five children. Bill and Marjorie weathered ups and downs in their long life together with grace and determination.

Bill was employed for forty years at Musebeck Foot-So-Port shoes. He also worked part time jobs over the years, including as a bartender at Winger’s Tap. Some said he was the best bartender there!

Besides always taking care of his family, Bill had many interests. He loved fishing, especially with his son Bill and daughter-in-law Cindy. He enjoyed flowers and gardening, birdwatching, cooking, spending time in nature, studying the trains going by on the tracks near his home, swings, rocking chairs, buying lottery tickets, and setting off firecrackers. He liked to read, and he kept up with politics. His favorite thing, though, was doing anything with family. Bill was a long-time member of Dr. Martin Luther Church.

Bill will be remembered for his modest good nature, warm smile, sense of humor, and devotion to his family.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Marjorie; son, William (Cindy) C. Reitz; daughters, Julia Reitz (Joe Kallas), Amy (Patrick) Kasten, Jacquelyn (Mark) Heinecke, Rebecca (Douglas) Reitz-Johnson; twelve grandchildren, Luke Diaz, Laura Kasten, Teresa Nienow, Sarah Krueger, Drew Kasten, Kyle Reitz, Lee Heinecke, Samantha Heinecke, Spencer Heinecke, Marlee Johnson, Evan Johnson, Quinn Johnson; six great-grandchildren, Lily, Juliette, Peyton, Stella, Tristan, and Marcella; dear nieces, Debbie Herche, Trisha Gauerke, and Amanda Bruner; brother-in-law, Ken (Nancy) Gauerke; son-in-law, Ruben Diaz; and other relatives.

Bill was proceeded in death by his parents; grandson, Owen William Johnson; siblings, Dorothy Reitz, Virginia (Willard) Bremser, Carol (Jerome) Multhauf, Delores (Hilbert) Groehler, Henry Reitz; mother-in-law, Margaret Gauerke (nee Stattman); father-in-law, Leroy Gauerke; and other relatives and friends.

According to Bill’s wishes, there will be no memorial service, with a private interment at La Belle Cemetery, Oconomowoc.

The family would like to thank the healthcare workers at Aurora Summit who were always so helpful and kind to Bill as he dealt with the illnesses that often happen in later years. The care Bill received from Three Pillars Rebab, Dousman, was awesome. We are also very appreciative of the Oconomowoc emergency services and police officers who were there when Bill needed them. Your kindness and professionalism will never be forgotten.

As Bill would always say: “Be careful on the way home.”