Terry "Beaner" Reiter

Terry's Family has planned a Celebration of Life Gathering on Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 4-8 p.m. at the Deshler American Legion Hall. 

His family has planned this gathering to be casual and a dinner and refreshments will be provided.

Please join them for a time to celebrate and share memories of a man that meant so much to those who knew him.

Terry L. Reiter

February 19, 1950 – June 21, 2025

Terry “Beaner” Lee Reiter, 75, of Deshler, Ohio passed away Saturday evening, June 21, 2025, at his residence.

Born on February 19, 1950, in McComb, Ohio, to the late Paul M. and Ilah I. (Bogard) Reiter.  Terry was the youngest of four children and his early formative years were impacted by the loss of his father at the age of 11.  Fortunately, his upbringing remained in good hands.  His mother worked hard at the family business, Reiter’s Garage, and his three older siblings:  Paula, Lyle “Butch” and Patricia helped in caring for him.  A tighter knit family was formed as Terry had a new father figure in his brother and the loving care of two adoring sisters.  The family remains as tight today as it always has been. 

He graduated from Deshler High School in 1968 and attended Tiffin University.  At a very young age, Terry started washing cars at his family’s business under the supervision of his brother.  He learned a strong work ethic, worked as partners for a number of years with his brother and then owned and operated Reiter’s Garage, Deshler on his own.  He was part of this family business for nearly 60 years.  He was devoted to his customers and they became good friends and were like family to him.  He was always negotiable and wanted to close a fair deal for everyone.  Aside from being a sound business owner with exceptional mechanical skills, his garage could always be a friendly, uplifting place to have fun and mingle with friends and customers.  For his children, it was the only place to stop after school for pop and candy.

In the Deshler community, Terry would give his time back for the better of his neighbors.  He was a lifetime member of Deshler/New Beginnings United Methodist Church.  He was a founding member of the 10K Korner Mart and Bowling GreenBack Investment Club.  He was a member of the Henry County Republican Central Committee, keeping politics a focus in his life.  He was active in the Deshler Men’s Association and they thrived in doing parades and Halloween “Spook Rides.”  He took time to coach youth baseball, especially during his son, Paul’s childhood. He instilled life lessons and built lifetime friendships with young boys that lasted into adulthood.  Softball skills were also part of Terry’s abilities; as he taught his daughter, Tricia, to throw the perfect softball slowpitch.  He would bowl in the Monday night bowling league and his teammates’ bond lasted years after the bowling balls quit rolling.  When venturing out of Deshler, Terry was able to see the world with a sense of wanderlust.  He was able to go to the RedWoods in memory of his father; a trip his father always wanted, but was too ill to take.  His wife, kids and extended family saw the sights of Hawaii several times, Arizona, the Western States, and the Canadian Rockies.

Even with a full schedule of work and community involvement, the one thing that remained his greatest pride was his family and closeness of good friends.  He was always a giver and never expected anything in return; his needs were always last.  Terry had a knack to not allow anyone to be a stranger; he could inject fun and adventure to any instance.  His bigger than life personality was generally full of laughter, countless pool parties and social gatherings.

On April 27, 1974, he married Mariann Christine (Barnes) Reiter. They fell in love at first sight and this union was essential to all who knew this special couple.  Together they lived life to the fullest.  They built countless memories and their essence of celebrating life has built a legacy.  They were blessed with two children and they will remember Terry as a devoted and loving father.  He never missed an opportunity to watch them perform at an event.  He taught them to stick with what they started and to always give their best.  His home was filled with the love of dogs; particularly Jack, Tyson, Chief and currently Higgins.  Some of his favorite things were The Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, a 1968 Road Runner car that never let him down and their orange Dune Buggy.  Terry was truly a family man, never more evident when he was blessed with two grandchildren and being able to spend hours of fun with them.

Terry is survived by his loving wife, Mariann; daughter, Tricia Nicole (Daniel) Beach; son, Dr. Paul Lawrence (Abby) Reiter; grandchildren, Natalie Christine and Maxwell Steven Beach; sisters, Paula (William) Suber; Patricia (James) Smith; brother, Lyle “Butch” (Sharon) Reiter; in-laws, Linda Coger; Nancy (Gary) Backhaus; Wayne (Patricia) Barnes; William “Bill” (Maria) Barnes; Laura (Michael) Hoff and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Terry will be laid to rest next to his parents and grandparents in a private ceremony at Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler.  A celebration of Terry’s life and an opportunity to share memories with the family will be announced and held later this summer.

Memorials in memory of Terry are suggested to Bridge Hospice or the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation.  Messages can be shared with the family at

www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com

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