John "Roger" Gritsch

John "Roger" Gritsch was born on September 27, 1940, on the family farm north of Brooklyn. He graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1958 and following graduation worked as a farmer most of his life and later enjoyed driving a school bus for BGM Schools. He married his high school sweetheart, Loretta Herbrandt, on July 9, 1960.

Roger loved his family fiercely and he could start a conversation with anyone he happened to meet and soon they would feel like they’d known him forever. He enjoyed bowling, pitching horseshoes, playing cards and watching his beloved Hawkeyes and the Cubs play. Besides watching sports, he could be found fishing and watching old western movies, with John Wayne being one of his favorites. He loved dancing with Loretta and having coffee with the guys. And, he always made time for watching his kids and grandkids participate in sports. Roger passed away at the age of 84 on February 7, 2025, at Brooklyn Community Estates.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta Gritsch; children, Carrie McCormick (Ross) of McKinney, Texas, Angela Gritsch, Brooklyn, Beth Morton (Ken) of West Des Moines, Christopher Gritsch (Natalie) of Brooklyn; grandkids Shannon Kendrick (Catlan), Kevin McCormick (Preethi), Willson McCormick, Sam Morton, Luke Morton, Spencer Gritsch (Mallory), Kyle Gritsch (Regan) and Rylie Gritsch; 6 great-grandchildren, Addilynn, Karson, and Gavin Gritsch, Colby Kendrick, Georgia Gritsch, and Jalen Gritsch; and one on the way; one brother, Robert Gritsch (Janice) and sisters-in law, Francine Austin (Denny) and Patricia Kaus (Norm). Also surviving John are many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lois Gritsch, brother, Willard (Oddys) Gritsch, and sisters Betty (Ed) Wells, Vivian (Garret) Zoet and Marcia Gritsch.

Visitation will be held at Kloster Funeral Home, Thursday, February 13, 4-7 pm, in Brooklyn, with a rosary recited at 3:30 pm; and Funeral Services will be at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Brooklyn, Friday, February 14 at 10:30 am.

Memorials may be made to East Poweshiek County Ambulance Service, Brooklyn Fire Department, Essence of Life Hospice, or St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.