In Memory of Kirk Douglas Reitz

Kirk Douglas Reitz, age 65, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital of Denison, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., with a Prayer Service at 11:45 a.m., Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. Beth Vogt will officiate.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Kirk Douglas Reitz, the son of Alvin “Mike” Reitz and Lois Burk, was born on March 9, 1960, in Ida Grove, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove where he was also a member of the junior choir. 

While growing up, Kirk worked as a paper delivery boy for The Sioux City Journal as well as a dishwasher for the Tip Top Café. Kirk received his high school education from Ida Grove High School graduating with the class of 1979. While in high school he participated in wrestling. 

After graduation, Kirk went to work for United Builders. Over the years, he held a variety of jobs at hog confinement facilities, Bisenius Lawn Service, and most recently at Petersen Manufacturing, in Denison, Iowa. Sadly, his declining health eventually forced him to step away from work.

Kirk married Kathy Dean and they were blessed with a son, Jarod. The couple would later part ways. 

Kirk enjoyed collecting horse memorabilia; he even owned a horse named Blaze for a short time when he was in junior high. Kirk loved cheering on the Green Bay Packers and had an interest in stock car racing. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. 

Left to cherish his memory include his son Jarod (Jessica) Reitz of Rolfe, IA; mother Lois Wendel of Ida Grove, IA; father Mike (Marelene) Reitz of Battle Creek, IA; grandchildren Ayden, Chandler, Aubrey, Alexis, Cade, Carleigh, Aailiyah, and Jace; brothers Darren (Marcia) Reitz of Council Bluffs, IA and Jason Reitz of Ida Grove, IA; sister Pam Reitz of Ida Grove, IA; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandson Creighton Reitz; maternal grandparents Roy and Malinda Burk; paternal grandparents Frank and Alvina Reitz; stepfather Emil John Wendel.