Mark Rietschlin

Mark Louis Rietschlin passed away on Sunday morning, July 28, 2024 and left behind a family whom he loved and who dearly loved him. He was 82.

He was born on October 4, 1941, in Shelby, Ohio, to the late Louis and Nellie (née Mitten) Rietschlin and was the youngest child in a large, German-Catholic farming family.

Mark was a devout Catholic, lived in Shelby Settlement, and attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church his entire life. Both his childhood home and the one he built with his wife had a view of the Church's steeple.

He graduated from Shelby High School in 1959, and joined the Marine Corps, serving his country for six years in the reserves.

In 1970, Mark married Lucy (née Metzger), and they celebrated 50 years together before Lucy's passing in 2021. They were a beautiful example of the sacrament of marriage, remaining devoted to each other even until the very end, when Mark took commendable care of his wife.

They raised six children, including two sets of twins. Astonishment was usually the reaction, and Mark would reply, "Yep. I'm quite the specimen." He was a traditionalist, putting faith and family first. While Lucy managed the home and the bulk of the childrearing, Mark provided his children with wisdom and guidance, especially during difficult times. He and Lucy were exceptionally proud of their six kids for many reasons but particularly that all six received a higher education after high school and that none of them spent time in jail.

He loved his eleven grandchildren and thoroughly enjoyed watching them excel in school and sports.

Mark was very hardworking, always having two full-time jobs. He spent 46 years at the Tuby as a welder and running his grain farm. He took great pride in being a generational farmer, sharing his passion with his three sons.

Mark will forever be remembered as quick-witted, even-tempered, generous, and seeing things in black or white, particularly moral issues. He was a man's man - he worked with his hands, took care of his family, collected guns and pocketknives, played cards, watched sports- especially Notre Dame, chewed tobacco, and drank beer. There was nothing he relished more than drinking beer in his barn with family, friends, and even strangers – all were welcome.

He leaves behind his children: Sam (Angela) Rietschlin of Crestline, Heidi Rietschlin of Mansfield, Andy (Paula) Rietschlin of Shelby, Heather (Ron) Shepherd of Shelby, Carrie (Michael) Kemerer of Crestline, and Jake (Jessica) Rietschlin of Shelby; 11 grandchildren: Luke, Marshall, Nathan, Grace, Elizabeth, Michael, Louie, Karen, Veronica, Jude, and Charlie; brother-in-law: Jim (Janice) Metzger; sisters-in-law: Alice Metzger and Pat Metzger; close friends: Rosemary Sutter, Robert Biglin, and Jeremiah Hamons; and numerous nieces and nephews including Luke and Tom Rietschlin.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy, his parents, two brothers: Robert and Joseph; and two sisters: Ruth Kehres and Rosemary Kanney.

The Rietschlin Family would like to thank everyone for their support, prayers, and kindness; especially those who provided Mark direct care the past few years: Cheryl Norwood, and the Willows of Willard.

Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a rosary will be recited at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Bethlehem, Shelby Settlement. A rosary will also be recited before the funeral mass at 10:15 am. Fr. Jeff Smith will celebrate the Mass with Msgr. Dennis Metzger concelebrating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery beside his beloved wife, Lucy. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the Sacred Heart School, Shelby.

Condolences may be made on Mark's obituary on the funeral home's website (PenwellTurner.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).