Kenneth Frank Reiter

Kenneth Frank Reiter, PhD, 80, passed away on November 3, 2025, at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado, surrounded by family. The cause of death was complications from Parkinson’s Disease with Lewy Body Dementia.

Ken was born on September 14, 1945, to Frank and Frances Reiter in Cleveland, Ohio. Ken’s brother, Richard Reiter, preceded his death in 1973.

Ken’s life was dedicated to education – to ongoing learning, to teaching others, and to administering in leadership roles. His education encompassed graduating from Kentucky Military Institute in 1963 and receiving his BA from Bowling Green University in 1967. Ken continued to pursue higher education by receiving his MA from Roosevelt University in 1971 and his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Colorado in 1995.

Ken had an unwavering passion for students. His career in education began in 1967, as English teacher and track coach at Kentucky Military Institute in Louisville, Kentucky. At Niles West High School in Niles, Illinois, in 1968, he served as English teacher and debate coach. The former U.S. Attorney General, Merrick Garland, was one of his debate students. From 1974 to 1977 he was Dean of Students.

In 1977, Ken moved his family to Colorado. From 1977 to 1981, he was Principal at Prairie Middle School and Principal at Smoky Hill High School in Aurora, Colorado. In 1981, he was the Principal at Casey Middle School in Boulder, Colorado. From 1983 to 2000, he served as High School Principal, Dean of Students, Assistant Superintendent, and retired as Superintendent at the Sheridan School District in Sheridan, Colorado. After retiring, Ken became a Professor at the University of Colorado, Denver. He wrote the curriculum and taught Master's Programs in Principalship and School Law.

Ken had many talents and interests and lived a full and rewarding life. His hobbies included building race cars and racing at I-76 Speedway, as well as building an airplane with devoted friends in his own hangar. He loved to read and started a “Classics” book club with fellow Sertoma Club Members. For many years was a member of the Sertoma Service Club and developed lifetime friends. A true Renaissance man, Ken was the General Contractor for his home and a Spec home in Severance, Colorado. He was a NASCAR fan and had attended many races. He was always fascinated by Albert Einstein, Physics, and the mysteries of the Universe.

Ken was married to Maureen McLoughlin from 1968 to 1987. He was the proud father of Kristin Reiter Grove, father-in-law of Jonathan Grove, and grandfather to beloved grandchildren, Claudia, Sebastien, and Vincent Grove of Los Angeles, California.

In 1992, Ken married Patricia Steinbach, his wife of 33 years, who survives him. They built a beautiful, supportive life together. They shared many interests and were each other’s best friends. He will be missed dearly. He was a Beacon of Light to all who knew him!

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Frances and his brother Richard. He is survived by his wife, Patty, his Sister-in-Law Pam, Mother-in-Law Mary, Sister-in-law Barbara, Niece Rana (Greg) and Nephew Tad (Beth) and Great Niece Raegan, his first wife Maureen, his daughter Kristin and her husband Jon and their 3 children.

Ken will be interred at Chapel Hill Cemetery, Centennial, Colorado, on November 13, 2025, at Noon. The family requests that persons wishing to honor Ken’s memory consider donating to The Michael J. Fox Foundation.