Howard Leslie Reitz

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, August 8, 2015, at 12:00 noon, at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, LA, for Howard Leslie Reitz, who passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2015, at his home. Visitation will be observed from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at Our Lady of Mercy. Father Cleo Milano will officiate. Mr. Reitz was born July 24, 1919, in New Castle, PA to the late Howard Leslie Reitz Sr. and Bertha Wise Reitz. His only sibling, James Bray, predeceased him. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Gladys Biele Reitz; his five children Carolyn R. Bruder (Harry), Catherine R. Stephens (Ross), Michael H. Reitz (Fay), Christine R. Powers, and Cynthia R. Strohmeyer (Jon); twelve grandchildren Jonathan Stephens (Claire Ellen), Claire Stephens Engquist (Ryan), Leslie Stephens, Miles Bruder (Elizabeth), Michael Reitz, J.T. Robinson, Brock Robinson, Jimmy Powers (Allison), Jeremy Powers (Stephanie), Savannah Strohmeyer, Hunter Strohmeyer, and Caroline Strohmeyer; as well as eight great grandchildren. Mr. Reitz served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps in both World War II and Korea. Following military service, he relocated to Baton Rouge, where he has lived since 1952. He was employed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana and served as President and CEO of the organization for over twenty years until his retirement in 1983. The family would like to express its gratitude to Cynthia Tasco and Dee Beverly for their devoted care and companionship during Mr. Reitz's final months. Mr. Reitz's grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mr. Reitz's memory to the charity of your choice.  Rabenhorst Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.