Obituary-Daehle R. Reitzel

Born April 20, 1941, in Polo, he was the son of Fay H. and Louisa M. (Daehler) Reitzel and attended Sterling Schools. Despite limited formal education, he worked diligently to support his family. On April 13, 2002, he married Angie Fischbach in a hot air balloon overlooking the Las Vegas mountains, marking a moment of profound love and commitment. In his youth, Daehle raced at the former Speed Bowl Park in Sterling. Throughout his career, he engaged in various occupations, including ownership of the Checker Gas Station in Sterling until 1974, construction work until 1986, and the establishment of Video Villager Stores in Rock Falls, Sterling, Dixon (x2), and Milledgeville until 1998. He later obtained his real estate and broker’s license and, in 2004, alongside Angie, acquired Wheelock Furniture in Rock Falls until his retirement in 2022. Daehle was actively involved in his community, serving on the RFCDC Board, the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce Board, and as past president of the Rock Falls Kiwanis Club. He also contributed to the Rock Falls City Council and served as Rock Falls Public Works Committee Chairman, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his hometown.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Angie; daughters: Donna Rae Smith, Rhonda K. Hughes, Teri Jean (Kent) Sathoff; son, Daryl R. “Butch” (Genia) Reitzel; and his cherished fur baby daughter, “Mia.” He is also survived by eight grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Fay; mother, Louisa; stepmother, Lavina Wasmund Reitzel; daughter, Trisha Marie Reitzel; son-in-law, Larry Smith; and his fur baby daughter, “Maggie.”

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 19, 2024, from 4-7 PM at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls. The funeral service will follow on Wednesday at 10 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Sterling, with burial concluding at Oak Knoll Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rock River Hospice & Home in his memory.