Norman Gene Reitz

Norman Gene Reitz was a true gentleman and gentle man who loved his family above all. He was a loving husband to his wife, Karen, of 50 years, and beloved father to his children and grandchildren. Norm went home to Jesus on March 1, 2025 after a sudden and hard fought battle.

Norm was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and grew up in Wenatchee, Washington with his parents Edwin and Lillian, brother Don, and two sisters Pamela and Susan. He was a proud alumnus of the University of Washington with a Pharmacy degree and his career as a brilliant, helpful, hardworking pharmacist went on for 54 years. During that time, he served as Director of Pharmacy in two large hospitals, President and Director of multiple large pharmaceutical benefit companies, Clinical Instructor of Pharmacy at both the University of Washington and Washington State University, as well as a main consultant for the State of Washington nursing home practice and pharmacy services.

Family was first for Norm. He met the love of his life, Karen, and they were married in 1975. They began a lifelong adventure of raising and loving their 5 children, and then 9 grandchildren. Sports filled Norm’s life as he mastered the game of tennis, playing in the Pro Circuit and becoming a Professional club coach. He coached and managed all of his children through several sports teams. He served as CYO Director at All Saints and Booster Board President at Bellarmine Preparatory High School. He also instilled in his family his love of music. Norm and Karen enjoyed years of family vacations including memorable summers in Whistler, BC for the past 30 years. Norm had many favorite pastimes including golf, racquetball, fishing, hunting, cooking, and always had a ball game or tennis or golf match on in the background. His knowledge and creativity to fix anything from the smallest toy to building a full size pool in the backyard will be missed. Our fondest memories of Dad include his warm hugs, his big brown kind eyes, his laughs, his startling sneezes, his subtle sense of humor, his driving with no potty breaks, weekend projects, Huskies, Seahawks, countless trips to the mountains and ocean, time on the deck at the barbeque, and Mom's special birthday dinner. He will affectionately be remembered as Dad, Pa, Dogie, Grandpa, Coach, Stormin Norman, and Honey.

Norm and Karen supported each other through the highs and lows of life, including losing their daughter, Kristin, who went home to Jesus in 1995. Norm is survived by his wife Karen, his daughters Nichole (Timothy) and Arika (Cory), sons Norm (Nicole), and David (Kristen), grandchildren Tyler, Shea, Jessica, Ashlee, Taylor, Ella, Emma, Emersyn, and Elise, brother Don, brother-in-law Ron Johnson, sister-in-law Laurie Ziebarth, and so many other loving family members.

Norm’s life will be celebrated on March 27th, 2025 with a Mass at All Saints Church in Puyallup, 11:00am, and a reception following at the Parish Hall.