Adam John Reiter

The situation our family feared happened on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Adam John Reiter, age 44, lost his battle with addiction and depression. He struggled for many years. Adam was loved and supported by many throughout his life. His fight is over, and we are grateful that when he died, he knew we loved him.

Adam was born on May 22, 1979, in Appleton, WI, to June and John Reiter. His childhood was filled with outdoor activities including fishing, water skiing and tubing, four wheeling, and enjoying the beauty around him, especially at the family cottage on Roberts Lake. Being outdoors and enjoying nature carried into his adult years. Adam was obsessed with watching the sun set and he captured many beautiful ones with his camera. Taking photos and playing his guitar were things he did daily. He also enjoyed hikes with his mother and chats while drinking coffee. Adam loved sports, particularly the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Bucks. He often recalled great plays from many years ago yet he didn’t remember where he left his coffee cup! Adam’s smile was contagious and his laughter infectious.

Adam is survived by his parents, June and John Reiter of Town of Rome; sister Amy (Brian) Koch of Fremont; brother Matthew of Appleton; sister-in-law Chris Reiter of Menasha; nieces Abby (Chris) Van Handel, Alayna Koch, Hope Reiter; nephews Sam Koch, Josh Reiter; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Mike, maternal and paternal grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

We are heartbroken and saddened in our loss but take comfort in knowing that Adam no longer suffers, is surrounded by love and light and is with his brother Mike. We know we will be with both of them again one day.

The family will hold a private service for Adam. They ask that you pray for healing and be kind to those you encounter. You never know what someone is going through or experienced in their life.

Many in our society judge those who struggle with the terrible disease of addiction. Addicts don’t choose to be addicted; they carry a gene that is ignited like a fire and grows out of control. An addict cannot control the fire and becomes consumed by it. Many are able to put the fire out for a time but the fire is often reignited more than once in a lifetime.

Odds are that someone you know struggles with addiction, whether it be to drugs, alcohol, exercise or gambling, to name a few and the person needs compassion and empathy, not judgement. Educate yourself on addiction so you can better understand how an addict’s mind works.

Resources are available if you or someone you know struggles with addiction. Please reach out and ask for help! There is always hope for recovery and a better life. Every day is a fresh start. The families that have lost someone to addiction believe that you can and will make it. It is never too late!

Crisis Text Line – text HOME to 741741 to reach a Crisis Counselor.

Substance Abuse and Addiction Hotline – 1-844-289-0879; this is a 24/7 helpline

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – 1-800-662-HELP(4375). This helpline is free, confidential, 24/7/365 treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline – call 211