Elroy William Reetz was born April 10, 1937, near Thayer, to Werner and Viola (Bartels) Reetz and passed away Nov. 16, 2020, in Seward, at the age of 83 years, 7 months and 6 days.
The family lived in several places including Thayer, Bradshaw and Surprise before moving to the home place near Staplehurst. Elroy attended school in Staplehurst before attending Seward High School and graduating with the Class of 1955. He enlisted into the Nebraska National Guard where he served for six years. Elroy helped/farmed with his dad for several years and then started farming with his brother, Wayne, until his retirement in 2008. Elroy and Wayne also picked seed corn for Pioneer for 13 years. After his retirement, he still enjoyed helping with field work, planting and harvesting.
On Sept. 1, 1984, Elroy was united in marriage to Susan Miller at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Staplehurst. Through the years, Elroy served on the board of directors at the Tamora-Staplehurst-Beaver Crossing Co-Op. He also served on various boards at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and St. John Lutheran Church.
Elroy enjoyed watching westerns and “The Price Is Right.” He loved playing golf, going to coffee, playing cards, bowling on a league in Seward and a Lutheran league, watching Husker volleyball and football and Concordia basketball. His true love was his family and he always attended family reunions, so he could catch up with his cousins. Elroy was above all, a kind gentleman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brother-in-law, Glenn White; and niece, Susan White.
Elroy is survived by his wife, Susan Reetz, Seward; daughter, Christine Neighbors, Lincoln; granddaughter, Emily Neighbors, Lincoln; two sisters, Janice White, Seward, and Darlene and husband Jim Nordquist, The Dalles, Oregon; brother, Wayne and wife Mary Reetz, Staplehurst; two sisters-in-law, Sandy Rockwell and family and Linda Shepherd and family; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
A private family service was Nov. 20 with interment at the Seward Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Lutheran Hour or the donor's choice. Condolences may be left for the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.
