Robert (Bob) LeRoy Reitz, age 90, of St. Peters, Missouri, passed away Saturday morning, December 20, 2025, at BJC St. Peters Hospital/Hospice Care. He was surrounded and supported by his children and clergy.

Bob was born March 10, 1935, in Dardenne, Missouri to the late Roy Reitz and Lucille Preusser, nee Newton. He was baptized into the Catholic faith and later converted to the Lutheran Church upon marriage. Bob was preceded in death by his only sister Marlene Haller, nee Reitz, of Jacksonville, Florida.

He served his country in the National Guard for a brief period in the 1950’s and was often seen proudly wearing a “Buddy Poppy” in support of the VFW throughout his life.

As a young man, Robert moved to South St. Louis City, Missouri and worked as an apprentice at a meat packing plant. He eventually retired from a lifelong career as a Union meatcutter with the UFCW. Through the Union Hall, he enjoyed working at various local grocery meat counters, socializing with his customers and always providing the best cuts of meat possible.

1957-1971 Bob married Patricia Hernady, nee Hadderfeld (deceased) and resided in South St. Louis City. He is survived by his two daughters, Christina (Kenneth) Nardi, and Cynthia Marfisi.

1978-1994 Bob married and is survived by Cathy Reitz, nee Rimkus, and three children, Beth Reitz, Kevin Reitz, and Nathan (Sarah) Reitz, along with two grandchildren Zachary and Violet.

Robert was a devoted son to his mother especially after losing his father Roy in the early 1960’s. He embraced his stepfather Robert Preusser and eventually moved to St. Peters, Missouri to care for them both until they passed.

Bob was fiercely independent, loved life and being active. He enjoyed socializing with friends at local restaurants, music venues and cultural events. He loved good food, black coffee, and a cold beer on a hot summer day. Fresh air and outdoor activities were paramount throughout his life. He played tennis, softball and biked, along with an occasional water and snow skiing adventure. There was always a Frisbee in the trunk of his car… just in case.

Robert was a longtime member of Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church in St. Peters, Missouri. He will be missed by his congregation who recalled that he never missed a fellowship meal and chance to socialize.

Bob was a Mid-American Transplant tissue donor and lifelong Red Cross Blood donor.

Robert will be deeply missed, but his kindness and free spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. No public services are planned, and Robert’s body is to be cremated.
A graveside burial will be held in the spring of 2026 for immediate family.