Robert and Eleanor Rietschlin
After 66 years of marriage, God in His divine providence saw it fitting to call Robert John and Eleanor Theresa (Allwine) Rietschlin home to their eternal rest just 39 short hours apart. Eleanor died Thursday afternoon, October 17, 2013 at the Crestwood Care Center in Shelby and Bob died early Saturday morning, October 19, 2013 at Med Central Shelby Hospital. They were both 87.
Bob and Eleanor were married on a cold winter day on February 8, 1947. Raising their family in rural Crestline, they were the proud parents of nine children, who survive: John (Donna) Rietschlin of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Tom (Deb) Rietschlin of Tiro, Jane (Greg) Butler of Galion, Nick (Meg) Rietschlin of Crestline, Dan Rietschlin of Mansfield, Mike (Mary) Rietschlin of Shiloh, Luke (Cheryl) Rietschlin of Crestline, Mary (Shell) (Guy) Ferraiuolo of Doylestown, OH, Betsy (Jake) Tijerina of Kent, OH. Also surviving are 32 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. They were preceded in death by a granddaughter, Anna Rietschlin, and a son-in-law, Doug Shell.
Eleanor was born June 16, 1926 in Shelby to the late Ralph and Emily (Spangler) Allwine. As loving and devoted wife and mother she was an excellent homemaker. She was a member of the Shelby Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary and had played in the K of C golf league. Eleanor is also survived by: 2 sisters: Janice (Mike) Davis and Kathleen Straka both of Shelby; 2 brothers: Dick (Dolores) Allwine of Shelby and Larry (Joan) Allwine of Colorado. Her brothers, John Allwine and Francis Allwine, and her sister, Rosemary Gross, predeceased her.
Bob was born May 26, 1926 in Shelby to the late Louis and Nellie (Mitten) Rietschlin. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII as an MP in the Philippines. Bob was a lifetime farmer and was employed for 29 years at PPG Industries in Crestline. He had also worked at the Shelby Equity and hauled livestock. Bob was a member of the Shelby Knights of Columbus and had played in the K of C golf league. He is also survived by: a brother: Mark (Lucy) Rietschlin of Shelby; 2 sisters: Rosemary Kanney and Ruth Kehres both of New Washington; a sister-in-law: Maryann Rietschlin of NY. Bob’s brother, Joe Rietschlin, predeceased him.
In their Shelby High School yearbooks, Bob (1942) and Eleanor (1944) were described respectively as “a really smart boy” and “quiet but efficient,” accurately foretelling qualities that would hold true their entire lives. Bob had a lifelong love of learning. He was a voracious reader, loved studying science, and was very knowledgeable about researching his family history. Eleanor’s quiet, efficient nature was exemplified by her hobbies: knitting, crocheting, gardening, reading, crossword puzzles, and playing the piano.
Bob and Eleanor were members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Bethlehem. They were active in many parish activities, devoting much of their time and energy to the church, the school, and their faith in ways that mirrored their interests. Bob, a lifelong member, helped with many repairs and maintenance projects at the church, was very instrumental in the church restoration project, and was active in the building of the parish hall. As a talented musician, Eleanor played the organ and sang in the church choir for many years, was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and Daughters of Isabella, and volunteered weekly, delivering library books to the children at Sacred Heart School. Together, their devotion to God and their parish community exemplified their selflessness.
After 87 years of life, Bob and Eleanor’s hearts and souls were so deeply connected even death could not part them for long.
Calling hours for both Eleanor and Bob will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. The Daughters of Isabella will recite the rosary at 4 PM and Fr. Michael Geiger will recite the rosary at 8 PM, both at the funeral home. Their Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Mike on Wednesday at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Bethlehem Shelby Settlement. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery where Bob will be honored for his military service by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions can be made to the Sacred Heart School Endowment Fund and left in care of the funeral home or sent to Sacred Heart School, 5754 State Route 61 South, Shelby, Ohio 44875.
To share a memory or express a condolence, please visit: penwellturner.com
To the Rietschlin Family: I was saddened to read that Elaanor had made her crossing. I just loved her when I had the opportunity to be part of her care team when I was at Crestwood. She was a sweet sweet lady. I’m sorry for your hurting hearts. Your memories of all the good times in life are now great treasures. Prayers for the days ahead may God bring you peace and comfort.
The Rietschlin family,
My thoughts & prayers are with all of you. May our loving Savior wrap His arms around His Faithfilled Servants Bob & Eleanor, as together they rest forever in His Kingdom.
I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I can only imagine the heart break but yet realizing he quickly joined Eleanor and knowing are together would with new bodies is comforting. I would like to leave this poem in their honor. Bob always came in to see Eleanor when I worked at Crestwood. I loved them both. Their family was awesome, too. Good support and lots of love. Praying for you in these very difficult days.
Bob and Eleanor in your honor:
We walked the path of this life,
Hand in hand, heart to heart,
Joined as one, Husband and Wife,
Until we had to part.
Death is a curious idea,
My love for you is very real,
It pains me to live without you near,
It’s something time will never heal.
Now my darling, I close my eyes,
and imagine your smiling face,
as my spirit flies towards the skies,
and I’m reunited with you in grace.
No one could truly be mourning,
If they just knew how grateful I am,
I’m with you and it’s like a summer’s morning,
Joined forever, woman and man.
I look briefly at the ones who have to live on,
In the world of trials and strife,
but I know you’ll be fine, you won’t go wrong,
You too, will leave this life.
Do not be down,
don’t you frown,
let go of your sorrow!
because soon there’ll be a glorious sound,
and a promise of tomorrow.
To the Rietschlin Family:
It’s been our pleasure to see and visit with Mr. & Mrs. Riestchlin each week for many years. They were the anchors of your family and the love you all shared was so very obvious. Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. We pray God will give you all comfort and strength. R. I. P. Mr. & Mrs. Rietschlin. We will miss you.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your parents. My prayers are with you. May you all find comfort from those around you!
Dear Jane & Greg,
We grieve for your loss and are aware of how much they will be missed in your own life; however we rejoice in the wonderful life in Christ that your parents shared with each other even up to the time of their passing into His eternal hands. May God shine His perpetual light upon Bob & Eleanor and all of the Rietschlin family!
Mike and Mary –
We are very sorry to learn about the loss of both parents. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and all the family. Together they are in the arms of God and are at peace. Praying for all to find comfort and strength.
We are saddened for the family of Bob and Eleanor I pray the Holy Spirit will send the comforter at this time to be with you. I have no doubt that those who went before met Bob and Eleanor at the gate with a beautiful reunion. Our family is rich with musical heritage, there will be even more sweet music in the heavens. Warmly and Sincerely Jeanne Beckett (and the Bernard and Mary Helen weaver Family.
The Rietschlin Family:
Sincere sympathy to you at this time of loss. May your special memories and God’s love bring you comfort as you remember them in the days to come.
God Bless You and we will be remembering you in prayer,
Dorothy, Cindy, David,Cheryl, Connie, Tami and families
(Van Wagner families)
Mary, Guy, Rachel, & Gabe,
I am praying for you right now. I pray that God will send his comfort down to each of you. Mary, I pray especially for you. I know it is wonderful for your parents to be together in their eternal home, but I pray for you especially. It is difficult to lose one parent, but to lose both at the same time…I can only imagine. Peace be with you. Cathy Kiel
Dear Mike, Mary, Matt, Abby and Brittany,
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Sorrow touches the heart in such a personal way, but we hope you know you are not alone – our caring thoughts and with you now and in the days to come.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Ken and Paula
Mary, Guy, Rachel, & Gabe,
Our thoughts and our prayers are with you at this time. May God bless you and help you through this difficult time. Dick and Norma Wrobel
Mary,
Our heartfelft sympathy to you in the loss of your dear parents. May you feel God’s love surround you.
Defiance County FSA staff
The Charity of Christ impels beyond understanding and sixty-six years ago, Bob and Eleanor began welcoming their babes and greeting the world with grace and humility.
Only hours ago, Our Blessed Lord sent His angels to welcomed them to Paradise.
Rest in peace dear ones.
Mary, Guy, Rachel, Gabe, & the entire family,
Our prayers are with you at the passing of your parents and grandparents. It must be hard to lose both at once, but reassuring to know that they have never had to be truly apart. God Bless.
The Kaufmans
John & Donna,
We are all very saddened to learn of your loss. Robert & Eleanor Rietschlin were remarkable and inspiring individuals. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
John’s colleagues at the Policy Research Directorate, ESDC
Dear Rietschlin Family,
My heart goes out to you on the loss of your beloved parents/grandparents. On behalf of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, I would like to express our sincere condolences on your loss, knowing that they both are now in the loving embrace on the God they worshiped.
I am sure you are all inspired by the lives that they led and the hope they have in Jesus Christ, which is passed on to you.
May God’s blessing be with you,
Brother Jim
and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.