Kay E. Reiter

Kay E. (Lieske) Reiter of Fremont passed away peacefully on Friday, February 14th 2025 at the age of 71, after losing her courageous battle to cancer. Kay was born in Port Clinton, Ohio to Wayne and Marie (Meacham) Lieske on October 17, 1953. She married P. Dale Reiter in 1974 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fremont. They celebrated their 50th anniversary this past year.

Kay was a strong-willed, compassionate, and independent woman who was full of energy and had a zest for life. She was dedicated to her family and a leader in her community. If she was not busy cheering on her grandchildren at a sporting event, she could be found volunteering at one of many community events. Throughout her life, Kay held many positions and her commitment to her community is second to none. Kay once said “It takes a team to get everything done”. Many of these teams relied on her leadership and dedication, and the world is a better place for having her in it.

She was proud of her many career achievements. She was a nurse for multiple local physician practices (Dr. Peter Sheen – Dr. S.W. Chung – Dr. Howard Stierwalt), Director of Physician Services with Memorial Health System, CEO & President with Sandusky County Chamber of Commerce, Director of Memorial Hospital Foundation, and Executive Director of Sandusky County Economic Development Corporation. She also served as Ballville Township Trustee and Sandusky County Commissioner. She served on the board at Terra State Community College Governing Board for 13 years (including 5 years as chairperson) and was recently named Trustee Emeritus.

Kay was a founding member of “Relay for Life” of Sandusky County, a longtime member of the Fremont Ohio Soroptimist Chapter, a member of Rotary of Fremont (Past President), an Officer for the Rotary Fremont Foundation Board, a longtime Rotary International “Paul Harris” Fellow, past Co-Chair (with her husband Dale) for The United Way of Sandusky County Annual Campaign, a cofounder of the Sandusky Country TRIPS program, an organizer of Sacred Heart Parish Annual Church Festivals, and a founding member of Sandusky County Positive People. She volunteered for many community fundraisers (including Terra State Community College and ProMedica “Cookin’ Men” event) and delivered gifts for The United Way Community Christmas Program. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister at Sacred Heart Parish and as a pastoral appointment on the Governing Board of Bishop Hoffman Schools.

Kay received many awards during her years of dedicated community service, including the International Athena “Women of Distinction” Award, the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County’s REACH “Crystal Apple” Award, ProMedica Memorial Hospital Auxiliary “Auxiliarian of the Year”, Memorial Hospital Foundation’s “Mary Miller Hayes Leadership” Award, Soroptimist International “Woman of Distinction” award, and The NW Ohio Economic Development Association “Ignite” Award.

Kay is survived by her loving husband, Dale Reiter. She was the loving mother of Amanda (John) Hancock, Curt (Laura) Reiter, and Matthew (Kris) Reiter. She was a devoted grandmother to her six grandchildren Logan, Luke, Landen, Aiden, Harper, and Adeline. She was a dedicated sister to her four sisters Karen (Brian) Fiske, Kathy (Kenny) Franks, Kim (Joe) Buti, and Karol (Greg) Rippberger. She is preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Marie.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 550 Smith Rd., Fremont, OH. Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the church prior to Mass. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Terra State Foundation – Medical/Nursing Program or Fremont Rotary Club “STRIVE” Student Scholarships.