Ronald H. Reitz
Ronald H. Reitz
November 15, 1936 — November 15, 2025
Ronald H. Reitz, 89, passed away peacefully on his birthday, November 15, 2025, at the American Lutheran Home in Menomonie, Wisconsin.
Ron was born and raised on the family farm in Weber Valley, Township of Eau Galle, near Elmwood, Wisconsin. Farming was in his blood from the beginning, and it remained at the center of his life. In February of 1965, he purchased the farm neighboring the homestead where he grew up — a place that would become the heart of his work and family for decades to come.
On December 11, 1969, Ron married Cleo A. Meixner. Together they raised their family on the farm Ron had worked hard to acquire. While tending to his 80 acres, Ron also worked several jobs over the years, most notably at Sanna Dairies in Menomonie, where he was employed until his retirement in 1998. Even after retiring, Ron continued farming until he rented out the land, though he never fully stepped away — always willing to lend a hand to the farmer working his fields until moving to the American Lutheran Home in 2022.
Ron enjoyed the simple things of rural life: farming, deer hunting, fishing, and taking long rides around the countryside on his Gator. At the nursing home, he proudly earned the title of “Bean Bag King,” a testament to his friendly competitive streak. He enjoyed feeding the birds, squirrels, rabbits, and the occasional deer outside his window.
Ron is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (John) Einum of River Falls; his stepchildren, Vicki (Steve) Meixner of Ojibwa, Luann (Norm) Cummings of Brookfield, Laurie Ellingboe of Wilson, Jim (Virginia) Meixner of Menomonie, and Rebecca (Dat) Nguyen of Milwaukee. He is further survived by his grandchildren: Ryan (Emily), Chad (Felipe), Ian, Nathan, Angela, Anessa, and Adrik; great-grandchildren, Madeline and Addison; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 41 years, Cleo Reitz; his parents, Elmer and Hazel Reitz; his brother, Larry Reitz; his sister, Lois Bee; brother-in-law, Duanne Bee; stepson-in-law, Rob Ellingboe; and grandson, Brennan Einum.
Memorial services will be held at 12:00 PM Thursday December 4, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood, with burial in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the services at the church on Thursday.