He was born September 25, 1929 in Claire City, South Dakota, a son of John and Helen Reitan. On August 30, 1954 he married Rhea J. Engel in Webster, South Dakota. He served in the United States Air Force and was employed by Alcoa prior to his retirement.
Survivors include his wife, Rhea and children: Vickie, Jeff and Greg, along with six grandchildren and siblings Leonard, Elsie and Yvonne. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Donnie, Eileen and Hazel.