John S. Reitzell

A native of Deerfield, Mass., and a longtime resident of Baton Rouge, he was born July 10, 1917, and died on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008. He was 91. He is survived by sons Laurence Reitzell and Jack Reitzell Jr. and his wife, Lori; daughter, Susan Anne Reitzell; grandsons, Sean Whelton and Scott Reitzell; and his beloved dog, Duke. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne Roberts Reitzell; son, Spencer Reitzell; parents, Franklin and Helena Reitzel; sister, Susan Matthews; and a special friend, Jean Russell. He graduated from Deerfield Academy and attended Dartmouth College. He served in World War II as a pilot with the 89th Fighter Squadron in Burma, having achieved the rank of major. He was a flight instructor at Harding Air Field in Baton Rouge, where he met his wife, Anne. He was a partner in Roberts and Eastland Insurance Co. and was active in business and civic associations. The family would like to thank his friends, Martha Newell and Beverly Smiley, and his generous neighbors and "friends of Duke." Visitation was at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Saturday from 10 a.m. until service at noon. Burial to follow in Roselawn Cemetery.