Rein’s life began on June 17, 1921, in Dowagiac, the son of Henry and Matlida (Tabus) Leitke.

He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during World War II in the Western Pacific.
Rein was united in marriage to Tina M. Hiemstra on March 12, 1941, in South Bend, Ind.

He was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dowagiac and active in the St. John’s Men’s Club.

Rein and Tina operated Leitke’s Grocery in Dowagiac for 62 1/2 years.

The store was the oldest independent grocery in Michigan at their retirement.

Rein had been a member of Dowagiac Conservation Club.

His greatest joy was his family, which includes: his wife of 69 years, Tina M. Leitke of Dowagiac; children, Alice Robbins of Dowagiac, Tom Leitke of Granger, Ind., Sue (David) Frazier of Dowagiac, Judy (Kent) Truitt of Dowagiac and Kathy Leitke of Kalamazoo; grandchildren, Lori (Derek) Demmon, Jennifer (Dennis) Whitaker, Stacy (Mike) Behnke, Sherry Robbins, Kevin Frazier, Katie (Jesse) Charles, Melissa Leitke, Emily (David) Gillesby, Jeremy Truitt, Kristi Frazier, Brandon Truitt, Thomas Leitke, Henry Leitke, Lindsey Truitt and Rachael Leitke; great-grandchildren, Hannah Whitaker, Zechary Huston, Tyler Huston, Greta Whitaker, Kelsi Demmon, Meg Charles, Bryanna Behnke, Brady Frazier and Kyle Boomer; sisters, Adelia (Earl) Weaver of Niles and Edith Willis of Dowagiac.

Rein passed away on Friday, Jan. 21, 2011, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.

He is preceded in death by a son, Henry “Heinie” Leitke, and a grandson, Bryan Frazier.

His family will gather with friends on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel.

His funeral will be at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on Tuesday at 11 a.m. led by Pastor Jeffrey Weber.

Rein will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Rein at www.yazel-clark.com