David John Reitter

David Reitter, 75, of Redwood Falls lost his 13 year battle with Alzheimer's Disease on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Wood Dale Nursing Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2013 from St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery, Morton. Visitation will be held Saturday, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., at the church.

Arrangements are with Nelson-Martin Funeral Service of Redwood Falls. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelsonmartinfuneralservice.com

David John Reitter, the son of Alfred and Elsie (Estum) Reitter, was born May 8, 1938 in rural Morgan. He attended St. Michael's Catholic School until his family relocated to rural Morton. (He always said he'd never forget Sister Batildis and her wooden ruler!) He graduated from Morton Public High School in 1956. Following graduation he served in the U.S. Army and then returned to Morton to marry Patricia Hennen in 1963. They took over the family farm where they worked the land until 1972. From 1972 until 2000 David was self-employed in the business partnership he helped to create – Rural and Urban Development. In 1991 Dave and Pat moved to Redwood Falls where they built a home.

Dave will be remembered for his easy smile, positive outlook, quick-witted remarks and his generosity. He enjoyed time with his family especially when at Green Lake. On Wednesdays you could find him at the golf club for men's night. He enjoyed being with friends whether it was playing cribbage, talking politics, morning/afternoon coffee or entertaining at the house. Vacations with family and friends were always talked about and remembered with laughter. David enjoyed having a fun time with those around him.

Dave was proud of the communities he lived in and believed in making them better places to live. He was a lector at St. John's Catholic Church in Morton from 1963 until 1991. He enjoyed singing in the choir and also served as parish council president. After moving to Redwood Falls, he joined St. Catherine's Catholic Church where he was also a member of the choir. Dave served on the Redwood Area Hospital board from 1994 to 2004 where he held office as president.

Dave was a Lion's Club charter member from 1975 until 2005 where he held office of president from 1978 to 1979. Dave loved all of the local sporting events and was a fixture at the scorers table during the Morton basketball games for years. He was particularly proud of holding the school record for two track relays at Morton and placing at State when schools were not yet divided by size. He pursued his interest in sports to the state level where he served on the board of the Minnesota High School League for three years.

Dave served on the Morton school board from 1977 to 1989 where he held office of Chairman from 1978 to 1979. While on the board he helped to forge the consolidation between the Redwood Falls and Morton schools. Dave was one of the founders of the Redwood Area Education Foundation and also held office for two years as president. He was inducted into the Redwood Valley hall of fame in 2007 for his the countless hours of community service, leadership skills and knowledge that have made a difference in both Morton and Redwood Falls communities.

Dave is survived by his wife Patricia of Redwood Falls; his daughters Catherine (John) Kruse of Woodstock, Illinois, and Jean (Scott) Parsons of Plymouth; grandchildren John, Lizzy, and David Kruse, and Jacob, Jessica, and Katie Parsons; sisters Eunice Ruff of Franklin, and Deanne (Robert) Olson of Overland Park, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Alan in 2006, and his sister Patricia Ricke.

Alzheimer's was met with dignity. It robbed the community of an active supporter, and his family of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Blessed be his memory.