James I. Fleitz

James I. Fleitz, 91, of Whitehouse, Ohio passed away peacefully on Saturday September 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved son of James and Evelyn (Curtis) Fleitz, born on January 23, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio. He married Rosemarie (Schneider) Fleitz on September 17, 1960, and she preceded him in death on March 8, 2025.
James served his country proudly in the United States Army. After his military service, he dedicated his life to hard work and craftsmanship as a laborer and skilled mason with Fleitz Construction.
A devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Maumee, he lived his faith through service and fellowship. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus.
James had a true zest for life and a wide range of passions. A gifted woodworker, a soccer coach bringing his energy and enthusiasm to the soccer field, a wine maker and snowmobiler, James never missed an opportunity for fun and adventure. A true all-around sportsman, he especially loved cheering on his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes.
James is survived by his children James Fleitz of Dallas, Texas, Gwendolyn (Jeffrey) Smith of Maumee, Ohio, Jacqueline (Mark) Nowak of Swanton, Ohio and Sue (Richard) Ruffier of Swanton, Ohio, grandchildren Connie (Hans) Roeleven, Steven (Kim) Smith, Richard (Alyssa) Ruffier, Victoria (Nick) Loranc, Christopher Ruffier, Nicole Ruffier and Colton Fleitz, 10 great-grandchildren, brothers Robert (Joan Deased) Fleitz, Tom (Carmen) Fleitz and sister Evelyn (Ken) Day.
Along with his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Rosemarie, James was preceded in death by his siblings Jean (Henry) Nowakowski, Rosie (Jim) St Julian, Fred (Chris), sisters-in-laws and brothers-in-law, Margaret (Franz) Henig, Dorothy (William) Johnston, Mary (Milton) Juers, Jimmy Schneider, Louie (MaryAnn) and Gene (Barbara Living) Schneider.
A visitation for James will be held on Wednesday October 1, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with a Rosary service to follow at Peinert-Dunn Funeral Home Waterville, Ohio located at 7220 Dutch Rd. 43566. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday October 2, 2025, 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 104 W. Broadway St. Maumee, Ohio 43537. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Maumee.
Memorial contributions may be given in his memory to St. Joseph's Catholic Church Maumee, Ohio.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the Fleitz family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com