Kenneth Michael "Ken" Reitmeier

Kenneth Michael "Ken" Reitmeier, of Shakopee, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. He was 92 years old.
A Celebration of Ken's life will be held on Wednesday, November 12, at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, 1220 3rd Avenue East - Shakopee, from 4-7 PM. A Catholic Prayer Service will be held at 7 PM. Burial will be on Thursday, November 13, 10 AM at the Catholic Cemetery in Shakopee, with Veteran's Honors presented by the Shakopee Honor Guard.
Ken was born on December 26th, 1932, in Richmond, Minnesota, to Michael and Mathilda (Hennen) Reitmeier. He was always a natural athlete. Ken played baseball throughout school and was the pitcher for Shakopee High School baseball team. In 1951 his baseball team was one for the history books as it posted a perfect 10-0 regular season, won the conference, district, regional titles and a trip to the state tournament. This was the first time that Shakopee was represented in the MSHL tournament for any sport. The team was honored 50 years later and nominated to the Shakopee High School Hall of Fame.
After high school, Ken signed a contract with the National League Baseball Club- Boston Braves, to be assigned to the Eau Claire Baseball Club in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He was left-handed pitcher for the 1952 season playing alongside his teammate, Hank Aaron. While playing in front of the home crowd is where he met his number 1 fan and love of his life, Shirley Stolp. On May 1st, 1954, Ken and Shirley were united in marriage. Ken was drafted into the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict and stationed in Fort Leonard Wood Missouri. While in the Army, he continued to pitch for the Fort Leonard Wood Hilltoppers team in the Army League. He was honorably discharged in 1955. In June of 1998, he presented his 1952 Eau Clairs Bears jersey to the city of Eau Claire at a rededication ceremony for the renovated Carson Park baseball stadium. His jersey will permanently be on display at the park. In July of 2009, The Bears honored him at the stadium, and he threw out the first pitch. For the past 2 years, his jersey was on loan to the Atlanta History Center. It was used in the display "More Than Brave": The Life of Henry Aaron exhibit. Photos and other team memorabilia of the 1952 Bears Hank Aaron's exhibit in Cooperstown, New York.
After his baseball career, Ken and Shirley moved back to Eau Claire, Wisconsin and then finally settled Shakopee in 1963. This is where they raised their four children and he began his long career with the Scott County Sheriff's department. He earned the rank of Sergeant and then took over as the jail superintendent. Ken took great pride in serving his community where he was deeply respected and known for his empathy and fairness to all that he served. He also wanted to instill these same traits in his children and grandchildren, often times having them play in softball games, share a meal at the jail house or a pew at church with inmates. Whether it was really instilling good traits or making good choices, we will never know. He often would take on extra jobs to give his children the best of everything. His favorite was working security at the Renaissance Fair.
His love of sports remained with him throughout his life whether attending games, watching them on TV, coaching his children's baseball and softball teams, or simply playing catch in the back yard- he loved it all. He was an avid outdoorsman- He enjoyed taking his annual fishing trip to Canada with his fellow co-workers. He oversaw organizing the trip and did much of the cooking. The stories that were often told, most likely the abbreviated versions, were legendary- what happens in Canada, stays in Canada.
His greatest joy in life was his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren. He and Shirley would often venture to watch them participate in their various activities. He was their biggest fan.
Kenneth leaves behind his children, Debra (Allen) Fuhrmann, Kevin Reitmeier, Keith Reitmeier and Beth Wermerskirchen; his grandchildren, whom he was so proud of, Nicole DeRuyck, Shannon Fuhrmann and Michael (Brianne) Fuhrmann, Tara Reitmeier and Collin Reitmeier; great-grandchildren, Cydney, Evan and Logan DeRuyck, Bellamy and Laine Reitmeier; his sister, Joan (Dick) Stoldt, sister in-law, Marilyn Schoonover; brother in-law, Donald Stolp; and many nieces and nephews.
Ken joins his wife Shirley in Heaven; his infant daughter, Mary Jane, his grandson, Justin Reitmeier; his sister, Ellen Weinzierl, and his parents.
His life went as fast as his pitches. We will always wish for extra innings, but we are grateful for the ones we had. We love you and you will forever be in our hearts.
***MEMORIALS ARE PREFERRED - They may be made to Sharing and Caring Hands, 525 North 7th Street - Minneapolis, MN 55405. https://sharingandcaringhands.org/donate