"To the Reiter family,. So sorry for your loss, John was a great man. His laughter,and humor is what will be missed so much . He was always so happy!!! A true friend we lost ."
In loving memory of
John D Reiter
July 25, 1939 - April 17, 2013
John D. Reiter, 73, of Warsaw, IL and formerly of Meyer, IL died Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at Blessing Hospital, Quincy, IL.
He was born on July 25, 1939, son of J. Delbert & Mildred Adair Reiter in Quincy, IL. John married Joyce Holtman on October 6, 1989 in Quincy, IL. She survives.
John graduated from Unity High School in Mendon, IL. in 1957. He served in the Army Reserves for 8 years. He was a member of St. Edwards Catholic Church in Mendon, IL. He taught himself to play the guitar and started his passion for music. In the early 1970's, he started the Easy Reiter Country Western Band. He played in this band and other bands, over a period of 35 years. The band won the first KHQA County Show Down competition. He played in many venues, most recently at the Veteran Home, where his mother lives. Another interest of John's was boat racing. Boat racing was a family tradition, starting with his father. John participated as a driver and in the pit crew. In his retirement years he enjoyed hunting and fishing.
John is survived by his wife, Joyce of Warsaw, IL; his mother, Mildred of Quincy, IL,; and his children and their mother, Marilyn Reiter; Kathy Reiter (Jim) of Montana, and Kermit Reiter and Kevin Reiter (Goldie) both of Ursa, IL; grandsons, Brandon Reiter (Amanda) of Germany (serving in the Army) and Kaleb Reiter of Ursa; one sister, Judy Tarkington and one brother, Leonard Reiter (Mary) all of Quincy. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, and brother-in-law, Rich Tarkington
Graveside service will take place at a later date in Mendon Cemetery.
There will be no visitation.
DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Center is in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"Joyce & Reiter Family I am so very sorry for your loss. I know my Dad (Rich) is heartbroken and is so very glad he was priveledged enough to be a part of The Easy Reiter Band as well as the friendship they had. John was a very special person to many people & he will be greatly missed. He is free now and flying high with those well deserved angel guitar wings. May he forever Rock On...."
"Joyce, So sorry for you loss. I have been out of touch for many years but the memories of playing bass for the Easy Ryders was and still are some of the fondest and most cherished of my life. John was an exceptional musician and I will always feel honored to have been a small part of it. All the people including yourself that followed us made it extra special.The joking and the fun were priceless. I was hoping when I retired to have jammed a few more times but maybe some day...... My thoughts and prayers and with you. Rich Cate "
" I remember helping John out a few times when he needed a drummer and myself and Tom Harrison would go and help John out playing his gig wherever it was. Tom played steel guitar and I played the drums. I had a band called Country Roads and sure enjoyed helping a fellow muscian out and especially John. Gosh, he sure knew alot of good country songs and he could sure sing them. I will sure miss him as every now and then we might get to enjoy a beer together and talk of old times. May God bless you John and you will be missed.
"
"The memory that stands out for me is the laughter. If you spent more than a few minutes around John you would find yourself laughing. Of course laughter is a family trait. It's a Reiter thing. What a wonderful guy. I look forward to laughing with you when we meet again. "
"I first met John as his childrens babysitter at night when he played in his band. I was reunited as an adult and enjoyed his great sense of humor when i saw him socially. I laugh everytime i think of the time i went to the bathroom and came back to have found him to have put his glass eye in my drink and he laughed and said "I kept an eye on your drink for you". I will greatly miss his laugh and wonderful sense of humor. Hugs to Joyce, Kermit and Kevin. May time make your loss easier. "
"It is so hard to lose a dear friend. I have such fond memories of playing lead guitar with John. I remember riding with John to our music gigs...the radio blasting and we sang along...and of course WE sounded better!! You will be missed John !! "
"So sorry to hear of John's passing. Boomer has fond memories of John at Poly Molds. So sorry for your loss!"
"So sorry to hear of Johns passing. He was a great person with a greater sense of humor. My father (Warren Mabie), brother (Ray Mabie) and I all had the pleasure of playing music with John. My nephews (Danny and Kyle Mabie), also had the privilege of playing music with and knowing John. I am sure he and my father are in a jam session in heaven right now. Many great memories and I am glad we have some recordings to look back on. One of my favorite songs he sang was, "This is where the cowboy rides away". I know you enjoyed your ride John."