The Reitz name is very well-known in local political circles, dating back multiple generations. The current torchbearer of that family tradition, however, has decided against running for another term of office in 2016.

Monroe County State’s Attorney Kris Reitz, a Democrat, announced last week he will not seek re-election.

The 54-year-old rural Columbia attorney said it is just time to move on. Reitz said the family recently purchased land in Colorado and he is thinking about building out there once his most recent term is up.

Reitz has served as state’s attorney since July 2001, when he was appointed by the party to replace Dennis Doyle, who left the position to become a judge. Since then, Reitz has won elections in 2002, 2004, 2008 and 2012 — all unopposed.

“That worked out pretty well for me,” Reitz said with a chuckle.

Reitz graduated from Gibault Catholic High School in 1979, after which he earned degrees in finance and law from the University of Illinois.

He returned to Monroe County with his wife, Wendy, and they have lived here since 1986.

Reitz served as a public defender in Monroe County from 1986 to 2001 with his law partner, Columbia attorney Arlie E. Traughber. In addition to public defender duties, Reitz handled hundreds of private criminal cases and practiced in most areas of civil law.

Definitely the most high-profile case of Reitz’s career as state’s attorney was the successful prosecution and conviction of triple-murderer Chris Coleman in 2011.

In a sensational trial that drew national media interest, Reitz ended his closing remarks by taking the jury of bused-in Perry County residents back to the early morning hours of May 5, 2009, inside the Coleman family home on Robert Drive in Columbia.

Reitz recounted the scene of young brothers Gavin and Garett Coleman sound asleep in their beds.

“They didn’t get up, they didn’t scream” when the killer approached them in their rooms, Reitz said then.

“Of course not. Why would they?” Reitz asked the jurors rhetorically. “It’s just dad.”

Kris and Wendy have two grown children, Nicholas and Allison.

Reitz’s family has a long history of service to the community. His mother, the late Janet Reitz, was a teacher in the Waterloo School District. His brother, Kurt, is a civil defense attorney at Thompson Coburn.

Kris’ uncle, Leroy M. Reitz, served as circuit clerk from 1968 to 1990. His father, Aaron L. Reitz, also served as circuit clerk from 1995 to 2010.

Kris’ cousin, Dan Reitz, served many years as state representative of the 116th District.