Robert "Bob" Pietz

Sibley, IA Robert M. "Bob" Pietz, age 76 of Sibley, IA died Monday, September 16, 2013 at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 20th at First Reformed Church in Sibley with Rev. Bruce Wilterdink officiating. Burial will follow at Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley. Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 19th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home in Sibley. Robert Melvin Pietz was born September 6, 1937 at the family farm near Parkston, South Dakota, the son of Carl Anton and Sophia (Bertch) Pietz. He attended country school and helped his family with the daily operation of the farm. Later he worked for various farmers near Valley Springs, SD, as a hired hand. On August 11, 1963 Bob was united in marriage to Marlys J. Korthals in Luverne, MN. They lived in Luverne for a short time while Bob worked at a dairy farm. They moved to Lake Park, IA until moving to Ralph, IA, where he continued working as hired hand. In 1964 the family was blessed with twins Julie, and Jean. Another year later in 1965 he was fortunate enough to have another daughter, Sandra. In 1969, they moved back to Luverne where Bob and Marlys worked at Luverne High School. They then moved to a farm near Bigelow, MN, where he worked for Dick Lowe. In 1975 they moved to Sibley, IA and worked for Harold and Paul Feldkamp for over 37 years. Bob and Marlys also worked as custodians at First Reformed Church for 24 years, before retiring in 2011. Bob was a member of the First Reformed Church of Sibley. He enjoyed fishing, walking, playing cards with friends and working outside in the yard. He also enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Bob will be missed for his sense of humor, loyalty towards his family and friends and his unconditional love. Although, throughout Bob's life he faced several health struggles, he always remained positive and vigilant. On Thursday, September 12th he was admitted to the Avera Heart Hospital due to his failing health and remained there until this past Monday, September 16, 2013 where he died, surrounded by family and friends, at the age of 76. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marlys Pietz of Sibley, IA; three daughters, Julie Ann (James) Fritz of Rochester, MN, Jean Marie Kolbeck (Jay Packman) of Milford, IA, and Sandra Kay (Joe) Schilling of Little Rock, IA; six grandchildren; five brothers, Herb (Pamela) Pietz of Milwaukee, WI, Elmer (Georgia) Pietz of Edgerton, MN, Vilo (Marlys) Pietz of Sioux Falls, SD, Verlyn (Camille) Pietz of Mesa, AZ and Donald (Lynette) Pietz of Brookings, SD; six sister, Leona (LeRoy) Baltzer of Parkston, SD, Violet (Verlyn) Fuerst of Tripp, SD, LaVerna (Darel) Magstadt of Tripp, SD, Venetta (Melvin) Smith of Freemont, NE, Mary (Keith) Thrift of Bridgewater, SD and Carol Stockes of Sioux Falls, SD; three brothers-in-law, Richard (Velma) Korthals of Marion, SD, Darwin (Jolene) Korthals of Rock Rapids, IA and Gene Korthals of Sioux Falls, SD; two sisters-in-law, Janice Besta of Beresford, SD and Carla (Todd) Meyers of Sioux Falls, SD; and many nieces, nephews , cousins and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Sophia Pietz; and his sister, Viola Zobel.