JOHN REITAN

John Richard Reitan Passed away at home surrounded by his family on December 26, 2014. John was born February 15, 1920 in Valley City, North Dakota. John married his wife, Dorothy Rydbeck Reitan on October 14, 1943. After high school John served in the Illinois National Guard in 1940, enlisted in the U.S. Navy Air Force before Pearl Harbor in October 1941 and received his BA from Roosevelt University, Chicago Illinois in 1943. Also in 1943, John graduated as Ensign from Northwestern University Navy Midshipmen School. John served in both the Atlantic and the Pacific as a Communications Officer until honorable discharge in 1946. John attended Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota receiving his Bachelor of Theology in 1948 and his Master of Theology in 1957. He served as Senior Pastor of Oak Knoll Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota 1947-1956; Richland Lutheran Church, Richland, Washington 1956-1970; St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Tacoma, Washington 1970-1976; founding Pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Boise, Idaho 1976-1983; and founding Pastor of Our Savior's Lutheran Church of East Mesa, Arizona (1984-1987). Following retirement in 1987, John and Dorothy continued with Reitan Christian Tours leading tours to over 100 countries and gifting their children and grandchildren with world travel adventures. John is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his children Mark Reitan (Elaine), Philip Reitan (Randi), Karis Crocco (Anthony); eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his four siblings, his daughter, Marilyn and his granddaughter, Julie. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by the Narrows (6730 N 17th St) on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church.