Brent Ritz

Bennie Brent Ritz was born July 7, 1949, in Kirksville Missouri to Bennie Arlo and Eva Darlene (Humphreys) Ritz, and passed away peacefully but prematurely at Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa, Iowa on November 14, 2022. His father died when Brent was three years old, and he was raised by his mother. In later years, he was to repay the favor by faithfully helping and caring for his mother in her retirement. Brent graduated from Davis County Community High School in 1967; where he participated in and excelled at many sports. During the Vietnam era, he was the first man drafted from Davis County after the draft was reinstated. Drafted into the Marines, he had basic training in San Diego, California; from there was sent to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. This assignment likely resulted in the cancer diagnosis and complications that claimed his life. He then served on a ship stationed off the coast of Vietnam and spent time in Japan. Brent attended ISU briefly and then graduated from Indian Hills Community College in Centerville. He worked at Sundstrand in Ames while living there. He worked as a Contractor in Bloomfield until a gust of wind swept him off a roof which resulted in a shattered elbow, changing his career trajectory. He then worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Ottumwa until his retirement. Brent was a quiet and introspective person, but came alive with his friends and those close to him. He had a quick wit that he would unexpectedly spring upon you with a twinkle in his eye. He loved to read about history, historical figures and also had a keen interest in the universe, the stars, and the cosmos. Brent was passionate about bike riding and participated in 41 RAGBRAI rides. He met many new people on these rides, many became life-long friends. His retirement enabled him to take road trips to various locations with bike trails. Brent is survived by his mother, Eva Adams, of Bloomfield; two sisters, Laura Ritz of West Des Moines, Iowa, and Patricia (Dave) Dixon, of Oskaloosa, Iowa. He adored two nieces, Laura (Teague) Smith of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Erin (Jesse) Godden of Bellevue, Nebraska, and five great nieces, Eva, Teagan, Violet, Rebecca Smith and Alexia Godden; and one great nephew, Jaxton Godden. He is reunited with his father, Bennie Ritz, and all of his grandparents and many aunts, uncles and cousins who have passed on before him. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 28, 2022 at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield with Rev. Leslie Dotson officiating. Burial will be at the IOOF Cemetery in Bloomfield with military rites performed by Reed-Whisler Post #78 of the American Legion. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, November 28, with the family present to greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to Reed-Whisler Post #78 of the American Legion, Friends of the Bloomfield Public Library or the Bloomfield Christian Church.

Brent Ritz

July 7, 1949 - November 14, 2022