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John Reta Obituary
JOHN RETA
AGE: 84 LINCOLN, NE
John Reta, 84, Lincoln, died Saturday, April 11, 2009. Born September 15, 1924 in New Brunswick, NJ.
Ret. School Teacher/ Coach, University of Nebraska and Lincoln Southeast High School. WWII U.S. Army Air Forces Veteran. Graduate of NU. Coached swimming and football coach at Lincoln Southeast H.S. Head swim coach at University of Nebraska; eight consecutive state championship high school swimming teams at Lincoln Southeast. Lincoln Journal Star High School Coach of the Year 1963; Omaha World Herald State High School Coach of the Year 1965; New Brunswick, NJ High School Hall of Fame 2001; 2009 Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame.
Family members include wife of 58 years: June; son: Mike, all of Lincoln; daughter: Jane Ann Redding; granddaughter: Taylor Reta Redding, both of Austin, TX. Preceded in death by parents and son John Mitchell Reta.
Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 17, 2009 Northeast United Church of Christ, Memorials to the Church or John Reta Scholarship Fund c/o Foundation for the Lincoln Public Schools, 5901 'O' Street (10). Condolences or personal reflections may be sent online at www.roperandsons.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Reta
Tom Heuke
March 22, 2023
We could have done more
We could have done less
In the end we did our best
University of Nebraska Swim Team
1971-72.
Thanks Coach Reta
Tom Heuke
Lori Griffin
April 20, 2009
To the Reta Family:
Mr. Reta was a very special teacher in my life. My mom, Sharon (Debus) Griffin and I both had Mr. Reta at LSE. Some 20 years after my mom left LSE, I entered. As a sophomore in health, I was always called by my mom's maiden name. He knew it drove me crazy, but it was all in fun. He continued it until the day I left LSE and days after when he'd run into me. This is one of my most precious memories from high school. May his legacy live on.
John Blumer
April 18, 2009
Mike & Jane: Hearing of your father's passing brings up old memories of how much fun we had growing up. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
JoDee Rowen Rothwell
April 17, 2009
June, Mike and Jane: My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your fanily. John was a good friend to my mother, Martha Rowen and to myself. The days of the Lincoln Swim Club were sone of the best days of my life. I know he will be missed but never forgoten.
King Little
April 16, 2009
June, Mike and Jane: I was very fortunate to know John (Coach Reta) as both my coach and friend. He certainly had a positive influence on my life. I as well as all the other student/athletes that he taught/coached are in his debt. We will miss him but never forget him.
Connie
April 16, 2009
On behalf of the Lincoln Memorial Day Observance Association (LMDOA) we would like to express our sincere sympathy on the loss of your loved one. A man of great courage who served in our nation’s military , so that we may have the freedoms we enjoy in America today. Each year, a Candlelight Vigil is held on Memorial Day night at the Antelope Park Veterans Memorial Garden, 30th and “A” Street in Lincoln (East of the Auld Building). At this time, all names of veterans of our Armed Forces, in Lancaster County, who passed away since the last Memorial Day Candlelight Service, are read in a solemn ceremony. John's name will be read at this time. We invite you to come out for this service and bring your family and friends. Time is tentatively set for 8pm. This is Lincoln’s way of honoring our veterans whom shall not be forgotten. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
(Bring lawn chairs, or blankets due to limited seating)
Ed Hoffman, President
Connie Wright, Keeper of the Names
Cliff Ellis, Class of '54
April 15, 2009
May the comfort of friends and family be your strength now and in the days ahead. Our sympathy and warmest thoughts are with you now.
For the New Brunswick High School,NJ Athletic Hall of Fame Committee
Jon Miller
April 15, 2009
Mike, Jane, and Mrs. Reta. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Mr. Reta was a great man. I will always remember him for his teaching, encouragement, and love of life. He always looked out for all us kids while we were growing up. We all had many fathers in that neighborhood and Mr. Reta was one of them that touched our lives in many ways. He will be missed.
Connie & Kurt Micek
April 15, 2009
June, I will always remember John for his wonderful smile. He had so many fun stories to tell and the joy in which he told them, made you want to hear more. We have so many wonderful memories of John. Our sympathy to you and your family.
William "Billy" Snesrud
April 15, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with June, Mike, Jane and family...
John Reta always had a great smile, story and was always so positive...
Another of those wonderful pastor kid memories is gone....but I will always have his smile and warm greeting in my memory.
God Bless the family.
Sarah Spalding
April 15, 2009
June and Family:
I was so privledged to know John and you while he did his radiation. He was an amazing person and by far a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Peggy Blumer-Cain
April 15, 2009
Thinking of your family at this difficult time.
Doyle & Judy Danekas
April 15, 2009
June, we will really miss all of the great stories John told at social hour before church. He was always a delight to be around. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Your church friends. Doyle & Judy
Mary Moomaw-Young
April 14, 2009
June and family, Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Barbara Bartle
April 14, 2009
The staff at the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools wishes to express its deepest sympathy on the recent loss of your husband and father, John Reta.
We are appreciative of the contributions that John made to our community's children through the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools.
Ross Stephenson
April 14, 2009
June, Mike and Jane. We were all so lucky to known Mr. Reta. He typified the coach, mentor, father, friend we all knew. Growing up in the neighborhood with Mr. Miller, Mr. Mercer, Mr. Reta and dad was like having several families you could always count on.
April 14, 2009
While I did not particpate in oraganized sports in high school, I am a proud alumni of LSE and also proud of the several consecutive State Swimming Championships under Coach Reta's tenure.
May I humbly express my classmates sincere condolences to the Reta family in their loss in the passing of John.
Long live the memory of "Senor Reta" in the hearts of the people his life influenced.
Michael Knarr, Class of '68 LSE
Don Byorth
April 14, 2009
To know John Reta was a privilege. To work side by side with John was rewarding. John Reta will be missed by so many.
Don Byorth with Sara Byorth
Patti Massey
April 14, 2009
Aunt June, Mike and Jane - I am so sorry about the loss of Uncle John. He lived a great life - with many accomplishments. I'm thankful I had the opportunity to see him a few months ago. I know how hard this is, and only time will heal the pain and emptiness you are feeling right now. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Patti
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