John David Reitzel

John D. Reitzel, 71, of Genoa, Ohio, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Otterbein of Pemberville. John was born February 19, 1955, in Bowling Green, Ohio, to Lyle and Bernadine (Reinhart) Reitzel. He was a 1973 graduate of Holy Spirit Seminary High School and attended the University of Toledo, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science.

On May 11, 1979, John married his loving wife of 46 years, Linda Ketcham. He dedicated 46 years to the insurance industry as an adjuster; retiring from Assurant Solutions. John was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as a charter member of the Temperance, Michigan Council #8902. He was a longtime member of Genoa Council #4237, where he held both Third-Degree & Fourth-Degree leadership roles, including Past Grand Knight. In the Fourth Degree, he was a member of the DeSoto Assembly and served as Past Faithful Navigator, Trustee, and member of the Honor Guard. John was an avid traveler who enjoyed fishing, attending Toledo Mud Hens baseball games, reading, and studying World War II history. Most of all, he cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife, Linda; children, David Reitzel and Becky (Chris) Watling; grandchildren, Greely and Wyatt; siblings, Don (Sandy) Reitzel, Terry (Bob) Warns, Robert (Cheryl) Reitzel, Susan (Mark) Kutz, Joan Fritsch, and Mary (Brian) Hecker; along with many nieces, nephews, loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; along with his sister and brother -in-law, Angela (Charles) White.

The family will receive friends at Robinson Walker Funeral Home, 501 West Street, Genoa, Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm. The Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Honor Guard will begin at 6:00 pm until Knights of Columbus Scripture Service at 7:45 pm. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 204 South Main Street, Genoa, where family will receive friends at 10:30 am. Interment: Clay Township Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Genoa Knights of Columbus Council #4237 or John's family to distribute among his favorite religious charities.