Elvin Reetz – Metz Mortuary

Elvin William Reetz, age 95, of Benedict, NE crossed over from his earthly home to his heavenly home on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Fairmont, NE. He was born August 7, 1925, one of twins and ultimately one of five children to William and Anna (Zwiebel) Reetz on a small farm near Thayer, NE. Elvin attended school at District 47 which was three fourths of a mile from their home.  He and his brothers and sister walked back and forth from school daily.  Home life meant helping on the farm where he learned the value of hard work. Elvin served his country in the infantry for the United States Army during World War II. Upon returning from the War Elvin met Venecia Hirschfeld, the woman he would eventually marry and spend the rest of his life with. They were united in marriage on December 18, 1949 in Benedict, NE. Elvin continued to farm until retirement.
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Elvin was a member of the York VFW & Legion Bolton Post #19 in York and an active member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Benedict where he served in various offices and was a Sunday school teacher for many years.  Elvin was also active in the community of Benedict. He loved to dance, play 6-point pitch, and traveling.  Elvin and Venicia traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe making many friends along the way.  As much as they loved visiting different states and other countries, they always looked forward to returning to their home on the farm and their family.

He is survived by his children Bill (Joan) Reetz of McCool Jct., Jeannie (Steve) Geis of York, Bob (Teresa) Reetz of York, and Janine (Eric) Kirkegaard of Westminster, CO. His grandchildren include: Mickey (Kelly) Reetz of Mesa, AZ, Mindy Mertz of McCool Jct., Jessica Geis of Sutton, Kristina Geis of Omaha, Elizabeth (Lawrence) Osborne of Estes Park, CO, Amanda Geis of Queenstown, New Zeland, Aaron Reetz of Benedict, Bobbie Jean (Tyler) Reaney of Yankton, South Dakota, Sarah Kirkegaard of Jefferson City, Missouri, Seth Kirkegaard of Westminster, CO, Nathan (fiancé Katlyn) Kirkegaard of Westminster, CO. Great-grandchildren include: Jarrod & Taylor Farley, Alecia Mertz, Rachel (fiancé Nathan) Mertz, JJ Mertz, and C.W. Mertz, Madison Geis, Nema Jo Stracener, Michael Underwood, Alex, Isaac, and Adam Reetz, Macie Geis, Dakota Huskins and Oliver Osborne. He is also survived by his brothers Melvin (JoAnn) Reetz and Raymond Reetz, both of York.

Welcoming him into Heaven are his parents, wife, grandsons Jeremiah & Shane Geis, sister and brother-in-law Delores & Edsel Carlson, sister-in-law Shirley Reetz and an infant brother.

Private funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 12, 2021 at the Wessel’s Living History Farm Chapel with the Reverend Ben Kaiser officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Thayer, NE. Elvin’s service will be webcast live on Metz Mortuary’s Facebook Page. Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, with the family greeting friends between the hours of 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., at the mortuary in York. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. COVID 19 Funeral Guidelines will be implemented with masks suggested.

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