Home > United States of America > South Dakota > Gregory County > Gregory > IOOF Cemetery > LOREN Walter REETZ

LOREN Walter REETZ

Birth	:	28 Apr 1937 Burke, Gregory County, South Dakota, USA
Death	:	17 Mar 2017 Gregory, Gregory County, South Dakota, USA
Burial	:	IOOF Cemetery, Gregory, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate	:	43.2380000, -99.4480000
Description	:	oren Walter Reetz was born on April 28, 1937, in Burke, South Dakota; he was the youngest child of Walter and Eva (Rockholm) Reetz. He grew up on his family's farm north of Gregory and graduated from Gregory High School in 1954. In 1955, he enlisted in the Army: he was stationed in Japan for the majority of his service, and he served our country with honor until his discharge 1957. His service in the Army was a source pride for Loren, and he actively promoted respect for all local veterans. Loren came home to Gregory after his honorable... Read More	oren Walter Reetz was born on April 28, 1937, in Burke, South Dakota; he was the youngest child of Walter and Eva (Rockholm) Reetz. He grew up on his family's farm north of Gregory and graduated from Gregory High School in 1954. In 1955, he enlisted in the Army: he was stationed in Japan for the majority of his service, and he served our country with honor until his discharge 1957. His service in the Army was a source pride for Loren, and he actively promoted respect for all local veterans. Loren came home to Gregory after his honorable discharge. He labored with love on his family farm for the rest of his days. He sustained a fruitful farm/ranch operation and earned the respect of all who did business with him. On June 30, 1959, Loren married his first love, Marilee Pusl in Winner, South Dakota. The marriage of these two incredibly hard-working people was a successful one in every way. They were blessed with two daughters, Susan Reetz and Brenda (Reetz) Svatos, and Loren and Marilee were very proud that both daughters became excellent nurses. His three granddaughters were a source of pure delight. Loren also enjoyed sharing his farming labor, experience and insight with his son-in-law Chad Svatos. In the winter of 1960, Loren added "fuel truck driver" to his resume of accomplishments and responsibilities. He began this career, which he somehow balanced with his farm work, working for Fred Schlaht. He continued hauling fuel for the rest of his life, ultimately driving for Cenex. Loren's work at Cenex was more than a job: to him, it was a profession and an important community service. He delivered both fuel and good advice in this role, and because of his diligent commitment to fairness and safety, Loren quietly helped countless people. Loren's priority was always to see that his customers were well-served, and he kept notes to make sure he remembered their preferences. He was especially grateful that his co-workers at Cenex knew this. They made it possible for him to continue to participate in his life's work in a meaningful way even as his physical capacities faded away from him. By choice, Loren wore his red Cenex shirt with pride until his very last day. Loren personified the work ethic and the good manners that South Dakota farmers are famous for. He put in more than full-time hours, in any weather, between his farm and his fuel truck. He said what he meant. He honed a sophisticated understanding of farm business so that his operation could withstand unpredictable weather and unpredictable market conditions. He learned everything there was to know about delivering fuel. When times changes, he adapted, tried new things and made changes. He maintained his property in tip-top condition. He helped whenever a neighbor needed a hand, as his neighbors did for him. He supported local business, community and school events. He also contributed to the success of other area farmers through his service on the Farmers Elevator's Board of Directors. Loren kept his eyes and his mind directed toward the future. Loren was guided in all things by his deep faith. He was a dedicated member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church throughout his life, and was a loyal member of the Knights of Columbus. Though Loren faced many hardships including the painful loss of Marilee to cancer, he was a person who had no quit in him. Until his death, Loren continued to be a touchstone in his daughters' lives, and will always be a beloved example of common sense, determination and love for his granddaughters. He courted and shared an abiding love with Francie Johnson. His wide circle of friends all knew him as an entirely reliable, progressive gentleman. He enjoyed a good story and he positively beamed with a charming smile, especially when his granddaughters' accomplishments were mentioned. He was an integral part of a celebrated pool league where his wry sense of humor was prized as much as his skill for the game, and he taught many lessons about life and about cards from his side of his cribbage board. On March 17, 2017, despite being the picture of health and vitality, Loren was diagnosed with brain cancer. He approached this daunting diagnosis with his usual optimism, and he engaged in a dignified, courageous battle to hold onto the life that he so treasured. He tried to fully participate in every aspect of his life that he enjoyed for as long as he possibly could, even when he had to accept help to do basic things – a difficult process for this self-made, independent person. Never one to be idle, Loren made good use of his remaining time. He continued to have hope about the future. He told the people he loved how much he cared about them and that he wanted them to take care of each other. He met his friends in good humor with messages of appreciation and thanks. He expressed that he wanted his funeral service to be a happy celebration of his life. He prepared himself to meet his Lord. Thus Loren Walter Reetz died peacefully just as he lived: a strong and principled gentleman surrounded in his last earthly moments by people who returned every ounce of the love that he had given them. Missing him but honored to follow Loren's directive to celebrate his life and to cherish his memory are: his daughter Susan Reetz and her partner Bryant Smith of Jackson, Tennessee; his daughter Brenda Svatos, her husband Chad Svatos and their three daughters Lauren Lee, Sydney Ann and Jordan Jo of Gregory; his second love Francie Johnson of Gregory; and countless relatives and dear friends. Loren was preceded in death by his wife Marilee Reetz; his parents Walter and Eva Reetz; his sister Inez and her husband Bob Clayton; and his mother and father-in-law Loree and Martin Pusl.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is LOREN Walter REETZ's memorial?
LOREN Walter REETZ's memorial is located at: IOOF Cemetery, Gregory, Gregory County, USA.
When did LOREN Walter REETZ death?
LOREN Walter REETZ death on 17 Mar 2017 in Gregory, Gregory County, South Dakota, USA
Where are the coordinates of the LOREN Walter REETZ's memorial?
Latitude: 43.2380000
Longitude: -99.4480000

Family Members:

Parent

Eva Anna Rockholm Reetz

(1897 - 1995)

Siblings

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. IOOF Cemetery
Gregory, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2380000, -99.4480000

2. Saint Joseph Cemetery
Gregory, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2202988, -99.4338989

3. Czech National Cemetery
Gregory, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2118988, -99.4636002

4. Dallas Hillview Cemetery
Dallas, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2271996, -99.5310974

5. Saint Augustine Catholic Cemetery
Dallas, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2263940, -99.5334467

6. Evangelical Zion Lutheran Cemetery
Dallas, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1401970, -99.5147400

7. Graceland Cemetery
Burke, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1847000, -99.3022003

8. Sacred Heart Cemetery
Burke, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1507988, -99.2913971

9. Dixon Cemetery
Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3932991, -99.4738998

10. Sully Cemetery
Lucas, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2770000, -99.2380000

11. Peace Cemetery
Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0816994, -99.3946991

12. Gregory County Home Cemetery
Gregory, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1253014, -99.2866974

13. Saint Johns Catholic Cemetery
Paxton, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0823490, -99.5336010

14. Johnson Family Cemetery
Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1755028, -99.2228660

15. Lucas Cemetery
Lucas, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2991560, -99.2189780

16. Lucas Catholic Cemetery
Lucas, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3005981, -99.2193985

17. Petersen Cemetery
Burke, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2539558, -99.1770172

18. Saint Isidore Catholic Cemetery
Colome, Tripp County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2638200, -99.7223800

19. Colome Cemetery
Colome, Tripp County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2638245, -99.7223816

20. Herrick Cemetery
Herrick, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1110000, -99.1970000

21. Brozik Family Cemetery
Dixon, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.4599755, -99.3854681

22. Mniska Presbyterian Cemetery
Bull Creek Township, Tripp County, USA
Coordinate: 43.4593800, -99.5531500

23. Gibson Cemetery
Tripp County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0642014, -99.6908035

24. Rock Valley Cemetery
Wewela, Tripp County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0641300, -99.6918100