Family giving out free Klondike bars in memory of Delbert Reitz
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The iconic slogan and tagline asks the famous, familiar question we’ve all heard: “What would you do for a Klondike bar?”
For anyone looking to enjoy a free, delectable, square-shaped vanilla icecream bar coated in chocolate, the requirements are simple.
Show up at the Punxsutawney Groundhog Little League Field Friday evening, May 20, at 5:30 p.m., bringing your appetite for refreshment and your desire for some wholesome fun.
Free Klondike bars will be distributed to all in attendance throughout the duration of the baseball games being played.
The idea for sharing the refreshing treats with the community originated with the desire of Delbert Reitz’s family to celebrate his life and honor his memory in a sweet way.
After a lengthy and difficult struggle with dementia and Parkinson’s disease, Delbert passed away in January this year. He was 92 years old.
His family said he was a man who loved unconditionally with his whole heart; a man of integrity and gentle spirit, who lived his life making people smile; and who loved Klondike bars. It didn’t matter what kind. Any flavor would suffice. If uncertain of what to get him for special occasion, a box of Klondike bars would work. Two or three boxes would even be better.
When deciding upon different charities for memorial donations after his passing, one of the two organizations Delbert’s family chose was the Punxsutawney Groundhog Little League. He had devoted over 20 years of his life to coaching at the original West End field location and was instrumental in the developmental stages of hands-on construction in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s at the current field located on Maple Avenue.
A prime mover in the development of the Punxsutawney Little League, he spent many days and evenings erecting fences, building dugouts and serving tirelessly to provide a place for children to enjoy the sport of baseball.
He was ultimately awarded the 1967 Booster of the Year award for his promotion of sports in the Punxsutawney area, and was inducted into the Punxsutawney Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2004.
Upon researching the Klondike corporation website recently to see if they would consider offering a discount for the supply of treats required, Kelly Reitz, Delbert’s daughter-in-law, was intrigued by their mission statement: “We Take Fun Seriously.”
With that in mind, Kelly reached out to their customer support team seeking any help in accomplishing a celebratory moment of spontaneous fun while recognizing two of Delbert’s favorite things, baseball and Klondike bars.
She wrote, “Our family would love to recognize the gift Delbert gave by hosting a Klondike Night at the Little League grounds this summer when the fields are full, and America’s favorite pastime is being enjoyed.
“We are in the process of finalizing plans with the local Groundhog League board to coordinate details, and plan to give away a Klondike to every person present in memory of Del.
“We are hoping to work with and support our local grocery store, Shop ‘n Save, by purchasing the Klondikes there.”
Much to her surprise, the Klondike team quickly responded with an offer to completely stock the Klondike Night at no cost.
They fulfilled that promise with the recent delivery of frozen treats, and weather permitting, they will be distributed on Friday by some of Delbert’s family members decked out in blue Klondike Night t-shirts.
A rain date is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23, at 5:30 p.m.
Nothing would bring a smile to Delbert’s face more than to know a special evening could bring the Punxsutawney community together in a unique way, while providing fun and fellowship for families, his family said. The community is invited to consider carpooling, come out for some games and enjoy a delicious treat in his memory.