Michael Thomas Reitz

Michael Thomas Reitz, 48, of Alexandria, Ohio, beloved son of Thomas and Angela (Incorvia) Reitz of Warren, PA, and formerly of Huron, Ohio, died unexpectedly on Friday, December 14, 2012. He was born in Sandusky on July 19, 1964.

A graduate of Huron High School Class of 1982, Michael enlisted in the United States Air Force immediately after school and served 4 years of active duty. He was stationed for 2 years in Germany, and 2 years at Andrews Air Force base, Washington D.C., where he was assigned to Air Force One and honored as Airman of the Year in 1985. He continued to serve his country as a member of the Ohio Air National Guard for another 20 years. Michael made his home in the Columbus area. He was known for his natural leadership ability and determination and an unrelenting work ethic. Not content to work for anyone else, he used his considerable talents to found and operate his own successful restaurant cleaning business. Michael was an avid and skilled hunter, the best shot in the family; a racing fan who enjoyed traveling to NASCAR and NHRA races; and a wonderful chef whose natural cooking skills were legendary among his family and friends. Most of all, Michael was a most loyal, generous, and loving son, brother, husband, and friend.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Jodi Reitz of Alexandria; his parents, of Warren, PA; younger brother and family, Patrick and Suzanne Reitz, and their daughters, Zoe and Sophia, all of Sarver, PA; and sister-in-law Dawn Minturn-Mack and her husband, Sean, of Columbus. Michael's loss is also felt by an extended family of uncles, aunts, and cousins, and the many friends he has throughout the Columbus area and his hometown of Huron.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at 8:00 P.M. at the MCPEEK-HOEKSTRA FUNERAL HOME, 133 S. Prospect St., Granville, Ohio. Friends may call from 5 to 8 P.M. prior to the service. Online condolences may be made to www.mcpeekhoekstra.com . Additional services will be held later in Sandusky, Ohio, and announced in the Sandusky Register newspaper.

Memorial contributions may be made to Freedom Hunters, P.O. Box 600, Elizabeth, CO 80107, www.freedomhunters.org.