Benjamin Raitz

Benjamin Raitz, age 81, of Sylvania, passed away peacefully July 28, 2015 at Ebeid Hospice Residence. Ben was born April 16, 1934 in Toledo to Benjamin and Vivian (Shafer) Raitz. He graduated from DeVilbiss High School, the Toledo Police Academy and the U.S. Marshals training center. Ben served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Reserve and the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Later he was involved in the aerial mapping of the Alaskan territory until being discharged in 1957. He was an active member of the Trilby United Methodist Church serving as a long time trustee. Ben was also a member of the Walter Weller American Legion Post 135. Ben was employed by Toledo Edison as an industrial photographer and was then appointed to the Toledo Police Department where he served as a uniformed patrolman. In 1968, he was appointed to the U.S. Marshals service and was made supervising deputy of the northwestern district of Ohio. He later went to work for J.C. Penney and became building manager for the Toledo stores and retired in 1997. He had a love of woodworking and built many things for family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his son Mark William Raitz. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Lenna Raitz, son, Jeffrey (Valerie) Raitz, daughter, Shelley (Richard) Venus, sister, Julia (Gordon) Guinette, grandchildren; Nicholas Venus, David Venus, Jacob Raitz, Jonathan Raitz, Justin Raitz, Caitlyn Raitz, Benjamin C. Raitz, James Venus, Michael Venus and Amanda Venus, along with several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caregivers at Ebeid Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Ben.

The family will receive guests Thursday, August 6, 2015 from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm at Trilby United Methodist Church, 5918 Secor Road (419-472-2103). A Memorial Service will begin at Noon in the Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trilby United Methodist Church and Ebeid Hospice in Ben's memory.

To leave a special message for Ben's family, please visit www.NewcomerToledo.com