Reitman, John "Jack" Sr..

John “Jack” Reitman Sr. 76 of Monmouth died Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Advocate-Good Shepherd Hospital, Barrington, IL.

He was born February 27, 1933 in Little York, IL. the son of William and Anna (Gaylor) Reitman He was raised and educated in Little York, graduating from Little York High School in 1951.

Jack married Katherine Jean Peck in West Chicago, IL on January 14, 1955 and she survives.

Jack served with the US Army in Korea from 1951-1952.

Jack started his career as a fireman with the Monmouth Fire Dept. rising to the rank of Captain. He also worked part time for Hoover Memorial Chapel and as a driver for Monmouth Culvert.

Jack moved to Libertyville, IL to assume the position of Fire Chief in 1969.  He remained Fire Chief of Libertyville until his retirement in 1995.    During his 26 years in Libertyville he was responsible for establishing three fires stations, establishing full time fire fighters and equipping the fire department with the latest fire fighting and safety equipment.

In 1978 Chief Reitman was elected as President of the Illinois Fire Chief’s Association.  In 1979 Chief Reitman was re-elected as President.  He was the only Chief in the history of the Association to be elected President for two consecutive terms. 

In 1996 Jack and Jean moved back to Monmouth where Jack became Chief of the Monmouth Fire Dept. from 1996 until 2000. He later served as the Mayor of Monmouth from 2001-2005

Jack was a member of the First Christian Church of Monmouth, Monmouth American Legion Post #136 and the Monmouth Kiwanis Club, Monmouth Jaycees where he served as President. He enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Reitman of Monmouth; his children, Teresa (Gary) Simon of Lake Zurich, IL, Hugh (Cheryl) Reitman of Grayslake, IL, Rodger Reitman of Montana, John Reitman, Jr. of Florida and Deena (Marty) Neal of Libertyville, IL; his grandchildren, Kellen (Justin) Linderman, Tony Simon, Brock Simon, Lindsay Reitman, Ryan (Mary) Reitman, Gina Reitman, Taylor Reitman, Addie Neal, Jack Neal, Sean Neal and Joey Neal; his great grandchildren, Cameron & Evelyn; his brothers, Bill (Margaret) Reitman of Monmouth and Robert (Virginia) Reitman of Arkansas; his sister, Shirley Gulberg of Stronghurst. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at the First Christian Church of Monmouth with Rev. James Epperson officiating.  Burial will be in Warren County Memorial Park, Monmouth.  Friends may call after Noon on Monday, April 27, 2009 at Hoover-Hall Memorial Chapel, Monmouth where his family will be present from 3:00-7:00 P.M.  Memorials may be given to the the Monmouth Fire Dept. or  the First Christian Church of Monmouth

Online condolences may left at hooverhall.com.