Obituary for
Fr. Frank Reitzel
Reitzel, Reverend Father Francis (Frank) Xavier, CR
The Congregation of the Resurrection announces the death of Father Francis Xavier Reitzel, CR on April 2, 2019 of Resurrection Manor, Waterloo, Ontario. He was 95 years old, and in his 70th year of ordained priesthood.
Father Reitzel is predeceased by his parents Francis and Helen (Pelletier) Reitzel. Lovingly remembered by his brothers Mark and Clare (Arlene) and by his nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Fr. Reitzel professed his religious vows in the Congregation on September 8, 1943 and was ordained to ministerial priesthood on June 11, 1949 at St. Peter’s Seminary, London, Ontario.
Fr. Frank ministered as a Catholic educator at Scollard Hall in North Bay, St. Jerome’s H.S., Resurrection College, University of Waterloo, University of Chicago and St. Mary’s College, Kentucky. He acted as Chaplain at the University of Calgary and taught part time in the English and Religious Studies departments. From 1979 to 1982 he was assigned to Brescia College – University of Western Ontario in London serving as Chaplain and teaching part time Religious Studies. Fr. Frank undertook the role of Associate Pastor and then Pastor at St. Francis Parish, Kitchener. Fr. Reitzel was assigned to St. Patrick’s Parish in Bermuda for 13 years. In 2001, he retired to Resurrection Manor in Waterloo.
Throughout his seventy years of priesthood, Fr. Frank served our Risen Lord as a teacher, professor, pastor, counselor, Chaplain to K.O.C. Cursillo, Better World movement, Charismatic Renewal, Marriage Encounter; he has been a Novice Master, counselor, spiritual guide, mentor and friend.
Fr. Frank was a word smith and enjoyed words and word play along with the pursuit of other intellectual endeavours and studies. William Shakespeare was in many ways Fr. Frank’s muse. No doubt they will have great discussions beyond the pearly gates.
We are grateful to all medical personnel who supported Fr. Frank during his last days.
Visitation of Father Reitzel will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 49 Blueridge Avenue, Kitchener on Friday, April 5th from 6:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. A Vigil Prayer Service will be held at 8:00 P.M. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Parish at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 6th. Interment will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener. Reception to follow at St. Francis Parish Hall.
Donations in Fr. Reitzel’s memory may be made to Resurrectionist Missions and forwarded to the Congregation of the Resurrection, 265 Westmount Road North, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G7 or arranged through Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, ON at 519-749-8467 or www.henrywalser.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Fr Frank Reitzel 1923 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Kitchener, Province: Ontario