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.