BIRETZ, Merlin 1942-2015

BIRETZ, WILDEBOER, PUHL

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 12/30/2015 at 21:30:53

Merlin Biretz

December 30, 1942 - December 29, 2015

Merlin Biretz, 72, of Waterloo, died Tuesday, December 29, at the Iowa Veterans Home, Marshalltown of natural causes.

He was born December 30, 1942, in Iowa City, the son of Harry J. and Gretchen M. Wildeboer Biretz. He married Sandra Ann Puhl on April 21, 1968 in Galena, Ill and they later divorced.

Merlin served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and owned and operated Biretz Company Realtors and later became managing director for Re/Max Cedar Valley Realty. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1623 where he served as Commander. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 227 and was active in the young eagles program.

Survivors include: two sons, Adam of Waterloo and Paul of Brooklyn Park, Minn; two daughters, Aimee Corwin of Waterloo and Renee Furman of Waterloo; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren; two brothers, Roger (Evelyn) of Carrollton, Texas and Robert of Waterloo; a sister, Gretchen (Dan) Nesteby of Janesville.

Preceded in death by: his parents and a sister, Gladys Smith.

Services: 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, January 5, at St. Edward Catholic Church with burial in Garden of Memories Cemetery. Full military rites will be conducted by Waterloo Amvets Post 19 and Evansdale Amvets Post 31, assisted by the Iowa Army Honor Guard. Public visitation from 4-8 P.M. Monday at Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service on South Street. Visitation also one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church.

Memorials: may be directed to the family.
Merlin was a kind hearted man and was active in his community. He enjoyed playing his guitar, performing with his band, and flying his personal aircraft.

Source: Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Home