Jeffery Alan Reitsma

Jeffrey Alan Reitsma, 69, formerly of Crystal Lake, IL., passed away Thursday, June 20th, 2024, at Symphony- Maplecrest in Belvidere, IL.  He was born on November 26, 1954, in Racine, WI. to Richard J. & Margaret Rose (Schuppe) Reitsma.  He graduated from William Horlick High School in Racine and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.  On June 16,1979 he married Julie Marie Cole and in 1984 they moved their family to Crystal Lake, IL., where Jeffrey began his 35-year career at DB Hess and held multiple executive positions.

He enjoyed being out on the golf course, and with a deep passion for music, Jeffrey was a talented drummer and loved playing with the band. But it was the friendships he built along the way that meant the most and truly spoke to his character.  In 2020, 5 months after he retired, Jeffrey’s life was forever changed when he was in a motorcycle accident … and though his body was broken, and his loss was immense, his loving guidance and certainly his sense of humor remained firmly intact.  Now, Jeffrey is WHOLE again.

He is loved and respected by his daughters, Andrea Leigh Ahrstrom & Alison Kaye Reitsma; grandchildren, Ruby Louise (Elliott) Reitsma, Hazel Clare Ahrstrom & Elanore Iris Feddeler; brother, Gary (Kim) Reitsma; sister, Cindy (Frank) Bodnar; mother of his children, Julie Reitsma; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends who will carry him in their hearts forever.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret R. Schuppe & Robert D. Christensen; girlfriend, Victoria K. Miller. 

There will be a visitation Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Belvidere Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Belvidere, IL.  A celebration of life will begin at 2:00 PM. 

Condolences can be shared with the family at: 

www.belviderefh.com