In loving memory of
Alvin Reitz, II

• March 02, 1940
• -
• July 28, 2025

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On July 28th in The Villages, Florida, Alvin W. Reitz II (85) found eternal peace with his wife of 61 years by his side. His generosity, endless optimism, positivity, and kindness will be missed by all. 

Born in Chicago, Al was a Cubs fan to the bone and it escaped no one that Ryne Sandberg passed away the same day, so surely they are together playing a nice game of catch in a field of dreams. After all, Al played baseball growing up and was the Medinah Park District little league coach of the Tigers, Starlettes, Angels, and Sox. Beyond that, Al’s dedication to his family was unparalleled. His wife Carol (Née Beranich), children John (Meghan), Al (Jennifer), Wendy (Mark), and Julie, whose husband, Bruce, passed away on the same day only a few hours after Al, were his greatest interest and his joy.  He felt himself blessed to help raise his niece Karen (JJ), and nephews Brett (Diane) and Michael. Of his grandchildren, Ella, Nate, and Drew, he was so proud and found every opportunity to attend a  game, performance, or celebration. Al thought of the world of his younger brother Craig (Barbara,) niece Ashli, and cherished his time with his parents (Dorothy and Alvin Reitz) and his Aunt and Uncle (Dorothy and Bob Nelson) who lived nearby him when he retired to Florida.

Always in good humor, “Uncle Al, the Kiddies’ Pal” (from Laugh-In) was how he introduced himself to nieces, nephews, neighbor kids, and children of his friends. To that end, he served his community as a director of Sunday School at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Itasca and was passionate about education and giving kids educational opportunities in and outside of their classrooms. He was president of the Medinah District 11 and Lake Park District 108 school boards as well as the Lake Park Education Foundation and was a donor and friend to residents at the Ray Graham Association.

Anyone who ever called Al at home or at work was greeted with “Well, Hello! What can I do for you today?” And he meant it. He loved problem solving and connecting people, traits he passed on to his children. His congenial and friend-to-all mannerism engendered the help of many amazing coworkers and friends to help him “get stuff done” for other people. 

Al constantly made friends through his connections in the golf community from the Maine East High School golf team to the company he ran with his mother and father (Certified Golf Handicap), to his work as a director and president of Medinah Country Club. In 1999, Michael Jordan introduced Al to Tiger Woods by saying, “This is Al Reitz. He is THE MAN!” and if you talked to Al for more than 10 minutes, you may have heard this story.  Many of his lifelong friends were met on the golf course and they loved him dearly despite his incredible slice. He even earned the nickname “The Sultan of Sand” because he often found himself in the trap (but usually got out in one).

An active member of the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity, Al made many lasting friendships at the University of Illinois (1962). After graduation, he  joined the Army Reserve where, believe it or not, Mr. Cautious served briefly as an explosives instructor, accountant, and driver. He began his career at Connecticut General Insurance in Indianapolis. After moving to Chicago, he worked at the Walter Leck Agency of State Mutual before becoming the general agent at Provident Mutual. Subsequently, he owned and operated Medinah Insurance for 30 years before joining his services with William J. Kamm and Sons. When he wasn’t selling insurance policies and being Super Dad, he could be found traveling the country and world with his family or friends. In the days before GPS, Al was the king of the road trip with nothing but a paper map, a Boy Scout history, and a positive attitude. Al often took “the scenic route” on the actual road and in real life. To him, the  journey was just as important as the destination.

Private Services will be held this fall in Illinois. 

To honor Al, who donated blood on over 103 recorded occasions, please consider donating blood or other resources to the Vitalant Foundation. https://vitalantfoundation.networkforgood.com/projects/.  Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449.  Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com. 

Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449.  Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.