Edwin “Bill” Reitz

Edwin “Bill” Reitz, age 79, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, August 8, 2024 followed by a service at 11:00 A.M. at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Deacon Tom Anderson will officiate.
Bill was born on January 8, 1945 to Edwin Reitz. He married Diane Oleson on May 9, 1970 in Wisconsin Rapids. They were blessed with 54 years of marriage, or as Bill used to say “54 for me but probably 154 for her.”
Bill was a Firefighter/EMT from 1971 to 1999 and a member of the Wisconsin Rapids Firefighters Association. When he retired, he started Reitz Concrete with his son Scott and eventually his grandsons Dylan and Devin.
In his early 20’s Bill was a member of the Army National Guard.
Bill was an avid Cubs fan and a NASCAR fan. He thought it was always funny when the Cubs won to act dumb and had me ask Reed Flick (Brewers fan) who won but when the Cubs lost nothing was said! He coached his son Scott’s baseball team for many years. Bill was an umpire and referee for the WIAA for over 30 years. He enjoyed this so much, especially stopping at the bar after the game with his reffing buddies! He had the happiest birds and squirrels because he fed them every day.
Bill was loyal and protective of his family. He had the biggest heart, and was always there for his family and friends whether it was plowing snow, mowing the neighbors’ lawns, or delivering eggs he would get from Peggy, the Egg Lady! He never expected anything in return. In memory of Bill, help out your neighbors, friends, and family.
Something not many people knew about Bill is that he went to church 6 days a week, St. Lawrence during the week and St. James on Sunday.
Bill is survived by his wife, Diane; his children: Tina Reitz (Jeff Fischer), Tammy Kingery (Ryan), and Scott Reitz (Kelly); his grandchildren: Josh Fischer (Selina), Briana Carpenter (Donnie), Jaelyn Fischer, and Levi Kingery (Taylor); his great-grandchildren Jeran and Everleigh; and his sister Jean Lange.
He is preceded in death by his father Edwin; his in-laws Ray and Frances Oleson; his grandsons Dylan and Devin Reitz; and a special nephew, Tory Oleson.
The family would like to thank Aspirus Wausau Hospital ICU and Palliative Care for the wonderful job they did. They truly were angels.
Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.