Larry J. Rietz

Rietz, Larry J. of Owatonna, died Tuesday, December 30th after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 69. Larry was born on July 23, 1939 in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Owatonna High School, the University of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota Law School. For over 35 years, Larry was a trial attorney at Rietz, Rietz & Rietz in the field of plaintiff's personal injury. Mr. Rietz was involved in product liability lawsuits involving severe injuries from defective automobiles, exploding hot water heaters and farm tractor fuel fires. Larry practiced with his father, James, and brothers, Neal and Dean. For over 25 years, Larry enjoyed spending time with his family at their cabin on Lake Frances in Elysian, Minnesota. After he retired, he enjoyed his second career as a real estate investor with his family. Larry was a member of the Owatonna Foundation and chaired its Executive Committee for 9 years. He was a member of the Owatonna Rotary Club for over 50 years. Larry also served a term as a member of the Owatonna School Board. Larry is survived by his wife, Priscilla; sons, Eric (and Elaine) of Chicago, Todd (and Krissy) of Effingham, Illinois, and Joel of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Alex, Isabelle, Macy and Bodey; and brothers, Dean (and Ann) and Neal. He was preceded in death by his father, James; mother, Marguerite; sisters, Gayle and Diane. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Owatonna Foundation are preferred. The visitation will be on Sunday, January 4th, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna and one hour prior to service at the church. Memorial service will be Monday, January 5th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Associated Church in Owatonna.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.