Reed Walter Zitting

Reed Walter Zitting, age 82 of Mesick, Michigan died at home on May 23, 2022.
He was born to Alford and Goldie (Hossner) Zitting in Ashton Idaho. He joined his older brothers Dale and Roy and older sister, Audrey growing up in the small community of Greentimber.
His life was full of adventures starting with his childhood in Idaho on the family potato farm and experiencing all that the wilderness had to offer including mountain climbing. Forever creating art through theater, woodwork, photography or tinkering with machinery he was always happiest when sharing his passions with others.
He moved to Michigan as an adult with his young family to teach at Interlochen Arts Academy. He also taught at Pathfinder School and the Children's House in Traverse City. He did a stint as the first director of the City Opera House, and was part of the Old Town Playhouse in its early days.
As a teacher he openly offered friendship, guidance and support to his students and colleagues. In return he felt he received an immeasurable depth to his life. He loved meeting people and always felt he gained more from relationships than what he ever expected from people. Above all, Reed truly believed in and lived unconditional love.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved sister, Audrey Peterson.
He is survived by his brothers Dale (Ann and their daughter Pam) and brother Roy (Rex). His daughter Shaun who he cherished. His wife Saundra Hintz and her daughter Jennifer Patanella. Jennifer's family, Joe (husband) and children Angela, Jacob and Carson who loved their grandpa dearly. Sister Audrey's family; Bruce (husband) and their children Sheila, Lori, Eugene and Roxanne. His many in-laws and their families, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews
We cherish the time we had with Reed and will always miss him.
A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with a visitation held one hour prior. The service will be live streamed at www.rjfh.tv .
Memorial contributions in Reed's name may be directed to the The Gardens at the Children's House fund.