William Reitmeyer

William Reitmeyer (Father Larry) passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2012, in the presence of his family. He was born in Deerlodge, Montana on April 15, 1928 to Ethyle and William Reitmeyer. Larry had two brothers; Clayton and David, both of whom preceded him in death. He grew up in Milwaukee and developed a love for flying. He learned how to fly before he learned how to drive ! Larry served his country honorably as a pilot and air traffic controller in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He earned many degrees; math, astronomy, theology and aerospace engineering with a double doctorate. Some of his many accomplishments include working for Martin Marietta to help design the Saturn rocket. He also helped build the observatory at Magdalena Peak here in New Mexico. While attending the University of Arizona he met and married Sandra Clark in 1962. They had five children together and enjoyed 25 years of marriage. During that time, Larry was ordained a Catholic Deacon and worked at San Albino Church in Mesilla. He was also a professor of astronomy at NMSU for many years until he retired. Larry went on to further his vocation as a Catholic priest. His first parish was in Australia with Archbishop Hickey and allowed him to work both as a bush priest and with Cambodian refugees. Larry's legacy in Australia was a church he was instrumental in designing and building for his parish. After experiencing clultures throughout the world he returned to the US to be closer to his family. He had always dedicated his life to helping others and continued to do so serving as a priest at Holy Cross Church until his death. His example will live on in his children and grandchildren as well as all of those he has helped throughout the years. Saddened by the loss of our father are; Tamara and (Mark) Newcomer, Sheila and (Thomas) Lindow, Brita and (Mike) Milligan, Linda and (Ronnie) Scott and Luke and (Liliana) Reitmeyer. Larry is also survived by his grandchildren; Addison, Zoie, Madeleine, Katerina, Evalina, Collin, Rachel, Keyla, Allen and Mia. Dad always tried to increase his knowledge, experience cultures and help others. He certainly was succesful in that regard. We will miss him and continue to honor him as he moves on to his next adventure. A vigil from 6-7 P.M. and a rosary from 7-8 P.M. will be held on Friday, February 10, 2012 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral. The funeral mass will be held at Holy Cross Church on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. To sign the guest book log on to www.lapaz-grahams.com.