Robert Reitzel

Robert "Red" Newell Reitzel, Sr. 86 of Newton died Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Born December 5, 1925 in Catawba County, he was the son of the late Albert Lafayette Reitzel an Essie Pearl Reitzel. Robert was a renowned Rock Hound and won multiple awards on his collection. He was credited one time with the largest emerald find in North America, weighing in at 1,498 carats. It is currently on display at the Smithsonian. He also found a twin emerald at 900 carats, which is currently in The Houston Museum of Natural Science. Robert owned the North Newton Outlet from 1971-1992 and was the owner & operator of Newton Embroidery during the same period. In addition to his wife, Edith Lucille Watts Reitzel of the home; a daughter, Rita Bolick and husband Caleb of Maiden; a son, Robert Newell Reitzel, Jr. and wife Melanie of Newton; a sister, Doris Fish of Newton; a brother, George Reitzel of Eden, NC; a grand-daughter, Erica Reitzel Isenhour & husband Matt of Newton, seven step grand-children, Crystal Steele & husband Jeff of Maiden, Jonathan Bolick and wife Lisa of Lincolnton, Wesley Bolick and wife Leia of Huntersville, Austin Lucas and Jonathan Lucas of Whittier, Christopher Steppe of Newton, and Shanna Shuler & husband Larry of Santee, SC; one great, grand-child and eight step great grand-children survive him. Five brothers, Aaron, Verley, Ted, Norris and Berton Reitzel and a sister, Freda Sharpe preceded him in death. The funeral will be 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at Jenkins Funeral Home with Rev. C.B. Barr officiating. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:30-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at Jenkins Funeral Home. Please sign the online guestbook at www.JenkinsFuneralHome.net. The Reitzel family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Newton.