News Update  - November 22, 2010

 

Earl Reitz of Waterloo died Monday morning, Nov. 22 at an area hospital. He had been living the past couple years at Oak Hill where he was known by everyone as one of the friendly faces who greeted visitors walking through the front door. He also served for many years as a Waterloo volunteer firefighter. The WFD recognized Reitz in February 2008 with the Earl Reitz Heartbeat Of A Firemen Award, named in his honor. The award has since been awarded annually to a Waterloo firefighter who goes above and beyond the call of duty. “We wanted to honor Earl for all he has done for our department,” said Waterloo Fire Department President Joe Krump, as he presented the award to Reitz in 2008. “Although he is no longer an active fireman, he is always at our events and willing to lend a hand.”

Funeral arrangements are pending at Quernheim Funeral Home. Earl was preceded in death by his wife Pearl. His survivors include his children Judi, Jeff and Jane.

Earl Reitz, left, is all smiles in February 2008 as he accepts the Earl Reitz Heartbeat of A Firemen Award from Waterloo Firefighters, left to right, Joe Krump, Darrell Gaitsch (his son-in-law), Andrew Glessner, Eric Osterhage and Mike Lloyd.

 

Recent Obituaries

Irene Buss, nee Cotton, 91, of Waterloo, died Nov. 21, 2010 in Waterloo. She was born July 26, 1919 in Leslie, Ark., the daughter of the late Henry and Ruth (nee Griffin) Cotton. Mrs. Buss is survived by her children, Betty Mueller, Bonnie Buss and Darryl Buss; grandchildren Denise Mueller, Jeff (Natalie) Mueller, Matthew Buss and Patrick Buss; great-grandchildren Christopher and Jillian Mueller; brothers Alvin (Edith) Cotton and Jack (Madiline) Cotton; and a sister, Billie Whitelock. She was preceded in death by her husband, Homer V. Buss; a sisters Jewel Gillian and Pearl Thompson; and a brother, Donald Cotton. Mrs. Buss was a member of St. Paul UCC of Waterloo. Visitation is Monday, Nov. 22, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral is Tuesday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Mary Beth Hartenstein officiating. Mrs. Buss will be buried at Kolmer Memorial