Gary Wayne Raitz

Our Gary “Boomer” Raitz, 61 of Sylvania, Ohio went to Heaven on May 18, 2016.  He passed away in Flower Hospital.  Gary was born in Toledo, Ohio on January 23, 1955 to Walter and Nancy (Oehlers) Raitz.

Gary was a graduate of Springfield High School.  He was a gifted athlete and was all NLL 3 straight years in basketball.  He earned the nickname “Boomer” for his majestic home runs, while playing softball.  Gary was a coach for many teams, including St. Michael’s in North Toledo,  He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad and brother and loved The Ohio State Buckeyes.  He was a truck driver, from the age of fourteen, a trade taught to him by his dad.

Gary is survived by Elizabeth, who walked side by side with him for forty four years, his sister, Joann Raitz and brother Larry (Robin) Raitz.  He was the father figure for Jennifer and Tony Raitz, his niece and nephew.  Gary is also survived by his niece Stephanie (Blake) Edington and his great nieces; Alyse Raitz and Olivia Edington.  His parents and great nephew Bryce Raitz preceded him in death as well as his grandmother Josephine Pencka, his beloved Aunt Annie (Magnatta) Shamas and nephew Eddie Raitz.

Gary accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior when he was fourteen years old.  He thanks his parents and the Yoder families for teaching him about Jesus:  You can rejoice because you know what the end of the story is.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at Reeb Funeral Home, Sylvania, OH from 11am until the Funeral Service begins at 2pm.  Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. 

Those wishing to make a contribution in Gary's memory may wish to consider the American Cancer Society or The Church on Strayer Road.

www.reebfuneralhome.com