Michael Fred Reitz

Michael was born to German immigrants in Paxton, Nebraska. He was raised as a farmer and left at 18 to serve two years in the Navy where he was stationed in Guam during the Korean War. Upon his return he attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming, where he obtained a Bachelors Degree in Petroleum Engineering. He also met his wife, Isabell (Nee Melcher), at the university. The two were married for nearly 50 years when she passed.

After her passing, he decided to travel. Among the trips were 4 hunting safaris in various areas of Africa, a dove hunting trip in Argentina, a trip to Machu Picchu in Peru, and many cruises all over Europe, South America, and the Caribbean Islands. He was an avid photographer as well, and has many photo books documenting his travels.

A service will be held later this year to scatter his remains in Morro Bay, California, where Isabell's ashes were scattered.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Rosalee Lewis, and brothers, Timothy Reitz and Richard Reitz. He is survived by his daughters, Ann Reitz and Barbra Calvert, granddaughter Brandilynn Hoftyzer, grandson Timothy Calvert, Barbra's significant other, Luis Viera, and Brandilyn’s fiancé, Luis Huapaya.