David Reitzel

David Reitzel
1936 ~ 2016

David was born in 1936 to Kenneth and Kathryn Reitzel in El Paso, Texas. He died November 24, 2016 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. David moved to Santa Fe with his parents in 1942 and spent most of the rest of his life as a New Mexico resident.

David graduated from Santa Fe High in 1954 and from UNM in 1964. He served in the U. S. Navy from 1954 until 1962. David married Nicolette Andrews and that union bore a son, Keith (Kimberly) and a daughter, Kevann. Many years later, after that marriage had dissolved, he married Elaine Ruhe and gained two stepchildren, Robin Plopper (Clifford) and Tom Ruhe (Reva). David also had four grandchildren (Michelle and Bryan (Lauren) Ruhe, and Savannah and Gage Reitzel).

David worked at the Santa Fe New Mexican, EG & G, Boeing Corp., and Los Alamos National Laboratory as a Design Engineer. He retired from the Lab in 1993 and spent many years living, loving, and creating a beautiful life. David was a perfectionist in everything he did from furniture design and woodworking to building and flying RC airplanes, cross country skiing, cooking and creating beautiful homes for his wife. He also thrived on horticulture and was an avid outdoorsman. There was nothing he couldn’t do and do well. David was a real gentleman, large in stature and character with quiet wit. He was a most loving husband, father, and provider. He will be severely missed by his family and many friends. His ashes will be interred at the Santa Fe National cemetery and he will receive full military honors.

A Memorial Tribute will take place at the Rivera Family Funeral Home – Kiva Chapel of Light, Monday, December 19, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow at the Santa Fe National cemetery at 3:00 p.m.