Services
Obituary
Roger N. Rietz, 87, of Iowa City and formerly of Rowan, passed away Saturday, December 28, 2024, at University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City.
Funeral services for Roger Rietz will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at the United Church of Rowan, 811 Pesch Street, in Rowan, with Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Rowan.
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Visitation for Roger Rietz will be held from 3:00 – 5:00 PM on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane South, in Belmond, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.
Roger Neal Rietz was born on December 10, 1937, to Karl and Margaret (Brandon) Rietz in Clarion, Iowa. He was raised and educated in Rowan, graduating from Rowan High School with the Class of 1955.
Following graduation, Roger attended and graduated from Iowa State University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering. He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. While attending Iowa State, Roger joined the United States Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. He served in the Air Force from 1959 – 1962.
Roger continued his education at the University of Iowa, earning his Master of Business Administration degree in 1963. He later attended management development school at Northwestern University in Chicago.
Roger was united in marriage to Joan L. Aldrich on December 27, 1959. The couple made their home, first, in Jacksonville, Arkansas, while Roger was in the service. Later, they lived in Coralville, Iowa City, Omaha, Overland Park (Kansas), and Cedar Falls. Following retirement, the couple split their time between Cedar Falls and their beloved Rowan. Most recently, Roger and Joan lived in Iowa City.
In 1966, Roger began a 35-year career with John Deere, working as Special Assignment to Factory Superintendent, followed by Personnel Supervisor in the Product Engineering department. Later, he was the General Supervisor of Inspection, then Chief Inspector, Manager of Reliability Services, Quality Assurance Manager of Gear and Special Products, Quality Assurance Manager in the Drive Train department and finally, on the SAP implementation Team.
Prior to working at Deere, Roger worked as Plant Engineer for Western Electric in Reading, Pennsylvania, Staff Supervisor of the Omaha District Office of AT&T Long Lines, and as Staff Supervisor of College Recruiting for AT&T in Kansas City. Upon his retirement in 2001, he farmed in rural Rowan up until the time of his death.
Roger was a talented singer and participated in school singing events and contests from elementary school all the way through his time at Iowa State, as a member of ISU Singers, both as a soloist and as a member of quartets. He continued sharing his love of music throughout his time at John Deere, as well as his acting talent with the Iowa River Players.
Roger and Joan enjoyed traveling together, beginning with their honeymoon in Chicago, on week-long fishing trips with children and grandchildren each summer at Eagle Nest Lodge in Minnesota, and even a trip to Germany to meet relatives. He also liked his cars and motorcycles.
Roger loved his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he adored. His family remembers his charming smile, twinkle in his eye, as well as the unique water drip sound he made with his mouth that no one else could replicate. He will be lovingly remembered.
Roger is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joan; his children, Thomas (Karen) Rietz and Sarah Aldrich-Rietz; granddaughters Leah Rietz and Linnea Rietz, all of Iowa City; his sister, Carmen Jorgenson of Fremont, California; and nephews Chad (Angie) Jorgenson of Antioch, California, and Doug Jorgenson of Fremont, California.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Margaret Grace “Molly” Rietz; and his brother-in-law, Ted Jorgenson.