Belz, Roy L 1918 - 1998
BELZ, GROTH, SEVERSON, RASMUSSEN
Posted By: Norman Hjelmeland (email)
Date: 8/9/2013 at 22:13:35
Roy L. Belz, 80, of Decorah, died Saturday, June 6, 1998, at his home.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 9, at 11 a.m. at Decorah Lutheran Church.
Visitation also will be held at the church one hour before services. The Fjelstul Funeral Home is handling arrangements. The Rev. James Glesne will officiate.
The organist will be Diane Kvamme. Soloist Kari Iverson will sing "How Great Thou Art" and "The Lord's Prayer." The congregation will sing "I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic."
Casket bearers will be John Hunter, Nathan Hunter, Dick Headington, Peter Olsgard, Charles Rooney and Richard J. Valley.
Burial will be at Phelps Cemetery. There will be a military service at the grave by Helof-Holm V.F.W. Post No. 1977 and Bernatz-Symonds American Legion Post No. 163.
Roy L. Belz was born May 28, 1918, in Carpenter, in Mitchell County, the son of Frederick and Johanna (Groth) Belz
He was an electrician in the Osage and Decorah areas before being called to active duty for World War II with the National Guard. Sgt. Belz served with the 34th Division of the Red Bull Infantry (February of 1941 to November of 1944) in North Africa, and the invasion of Italy.
During his service, he received three Purple Heart, Bronze Star, European Theater (with three stars), American Medal, World War II Medal, American Defense, American Campaign, Good Conduct and Combat Rifle Badge.
Roy was united in marriage with Ruth Severson, Aug. 26, 1945, at Decorah Lutheran Church.
The family moved to LaCrosse, Wis., in 1950, where Roy was employed as an electrician. He was actively involved as an adult leader in several youth groups, including president of the YMCA Father-Son Club, and Troop Chairman of Boy Scout Troop 13. He also helped build the landmark Christmas tree displayed on LaCrosse's Granddad Bluff each year.
The family returned to Decorah in 1963, when Roy started his own business, Belz Electric, and later, The Lamp Shoppe. In 1977, he was named "Boss of the Year" by the Decorah chamber of Commerce.
Roy was retired in 1983.
He remained active in Boy Scouts, serving as district commissioner for several years, and received the Scouters Training Award and the Silver Beaver Award.
Roy also was active with Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the American Legion, V.F.W., Decorah Lutheran Church, Rotary Club, Elks Club and the Chamber of Commerce.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth of Decorah; three sons, Ronald and Merle Belz of Decorah, Les and Lori Belz of Winona, Minn., and Leo and Mary Belz of Holmen, Wis.; three daughters, Kathy and Sandra, both of Decorah, and Joanne and Jim Rasmussen of Hampton; eight grandchildren, Laurie, Christopher, Sarah, Lindsey, Timothy, Daniel, Samuel and Katie; and nieces and nephews.
Roy Belz was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; an infant daughter; and an infant granddaughter.
Decorah Newspapers, June, 1998
Phelps Cemetery
Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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