Helen Buchanan Reitz, 92, of Cambridge succumbed to complications after a short illness on January 5, 2014. She was surrounded in love and prayer by her husband, 5 children and many grandchildren.
She was born July 7, 1921. Helen grew up in Graceville, Minn. and became a Registered Nurse (RN) at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester, Minn. She practiced nursing in Hanford, Wash., Watertown, Minn., St. Cloud, Minn. and St Benedicts School and Convent. Upon her retirement in 1986, she and her husband split their time between their lake home on Leech Lake and winter home in Mesa, Ariz. She had a love of life, for her family, her nursing profession and the outdoors. She was an avid fisherman, an excellent cook, a wonderful nurse, a loving wife and mother and a good friend to all who knew her. Helen lived her life with grace and dignity right up to her passing.
She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Leslie L. Reitz; son, Stephen (Madelyn) Reitz of Coronado, Calif.; daughters, Barbara (Bill) Smrekar of Cambridge, Minn., Marcia (Kendall) Lacey of Hovland, Minn., Nancy (Don) Giacchetti of Chanhassen, Minn. and Shelley (Bob) Plucker of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Kay Buchanan; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by brother, Murray; sister, Katherine; and granddaughter, Christi.
Memorial services were held Friday, Jan. 10 at Cambridge Lutheran Church with Rev. David Everett officiating. Memorials preferred for donation to the Harbor Room at Cambridge Medical Center. Arrangements were with Strike Funeral Home Cambridge Chapel.