Reinhard Ritz 1844-1934

RITZ, NEWCOMB, NEUKOMM, MCINTOSH, PEACOCK, BRINDELL, MEIER, ROGERS, JOHNSON, CULLY, WHITE

Posted By: Karen DaPra (email)
Date: 10/20/2001 at 14:19:50

OBITUARY OF REINHARD RITZ

Reinhard Ritz was born September 14, 1844, on the shores of one of the most beautiful lakes, among the snow-clad mountains of Switzerland, in the city of Zurich. His parents were Jno Ulrich Ritz and Anna Nee Newcomb (Neukomm).

In the year 1850 his parents came to this county; Richard at that time being only six years old. They first chose Xenia, O.; for their settlement, but later on travelled by way of St. Louis and Keokuk to the state of Iowa.

In Bloomfield, Selma, Leando and lastly Eldon, Reinhard following successful operations of mercantile nature. Many Eldon people may remember him as having a grist mill which he built and operated. His aged parents also chose Eldon as their residence.

In 1867 Reinhard married Margaret McIntosh and for sixty-three years this worthy couple was
privileged to live in close companionship. This marriage was blessed with the birth of six children and of thse the following are survivors: Clarence of Ogden, Utah, at present in Phoenix, Ariz.; Henry, an esteemed fellow citizen of Eldon; Mrs. Ethel Peacock of Jefferson, Okla.; Mrs. Cora Brindell of Spokane, Wash.

Two other children have preceded their parents to yonder shore; Lulubelle in 1878 and Ira in 1923. In 1931 our brother sustained the great loss of his helpmate and life companion, Mrs. Ritz died January 9th, 1931, and was buried from the Congregational church where she and her family loved to worship and attend.

Two sisters and one brother of Reinhard Ritz are still living: Mrs. Anna Meier of Bloomfield, and Mrs. Louise Rogers of Colorado Springs, Colo. He also has one brother, Henry W. Ritz of Selma.

Mr. Ritz had eleven grandchildren: Margaret, Franklin and Frances Brindell of Spokane, Wash., Milo and Rex Peacock; Mrs. Harriett Johnson of Oklahoma; Mrs. Lulu Cully, Arnold, Kenneth and Ray Ritz and Mrs. Edith White, all of Oklahoma.

After having lived about twenty years in Eldon and vicinity, Reinhard left Eldon eighteen years ago and chose to live in the southeastern part of the U. S., lastly in Phoenix, where he breathed his last February 2nd, having lived a life of surprising vigor and activity, to the age of 89 years, 4 months and 19 days.

Many sympathizing friends surrounded the mourning sons and daughters with their families at the bier of this beloved pilgrim and testified by their presence old and fond memories of friendship.

Services were held at Campbell Funeral Home Thursday afternoon, February 8th, conducted by Rev. O. W. Lauxmann, pastor of the Congregational church.

Interment in the Eldon cemetery.

(Date and name of newspaper not known but sounds like it is a newspaper covering Eldon, IA. Other sources state he died 02 Feb 1934 and age stated in above obit reinforces that.)
Reinhart's wife Margaret McIntosh was born in Van Buren Co., IA and she & Reinhart were married
there. They moved alot but also resided in Van Buren Co., IA.

Please contact me if you have additional information.