Jerome (Jerry) Robert Tritz passed away on November 25, 2022, at the Eagle Point Health Care Center, Clinton, IA. According to his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and there will be no services. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
Jerry was born to John J. Tritz and Kathryn Marie (Kerper) Tritz on June 5, 1950, in Clinton and lived there his whole life. He is predeceased by his older brother, Thomas (Tom) P. Tritz of Lubbock, TX and survived by his two older sisters, Raeanne Pimlott of Angel’s Camp, CA, Ellen Tarnawa of Mercer Island, WA, and his older brother, John Tritz of Camanche, IA.
He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1968 and worked at Bennett Box Co. and Nielsen’s. Jerry was very close to his brother Johnny who sat with him for four hours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during Jerry’s dialysis before the pandemic.
Jerry loved to read and looked forward to receiving the latest edition of the World Almanac every Christmas. He was a World War II history buff and knew details of all the American generals, admirals, and many battles. He was able to discuss in detail the great naval battles of the Coral Sea, Midway and Leyte Bay.
He had a great sense of humor, never complained about pain, loved coffee and a spaghetti dinner if he could get it. He had an incredible memory and could instantly recall dates, names, and family events and, as a result, was consulted frequently by his family. He was also able to mimic the voices, words and expressions of relatives and acquaintances from the past with such accuracy as to leave his audience in laughter and amazement.
I’m so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I haven’t seen Jerry in over 50 years when he would walk past my house with a load of books under his arm. We would have short conversations. He would say goodbye and I would wish him well. The world can be a cruel and harsh place for someone like Jerry ,but when I read his obituary I see he came from a good,kind and caring family so I think we were all lucky to have Jerry.