Harold William Pitz

Amana-Harold William Pitz, 85, died on September 4, 2025, at Colonial Manor in Amana, Iowa.

Harold was born February 24, 1940, to Raymond Carl and Erna Sophia Reihmann Pitz. He graduated from Amana High School in 1958 with distinction: class valedictorian, National Honor Society, editor of the high school yearbook (Die Posaune) and newspaper. Harold attended the University of Iowa where he majored in Business and Art. Harold is survived by two sisters, Rosemarie Geiger and Lauren (Lorraine) Pitz Fortune, a niece, nephew and first cousins as well as great nieces and nephews.

Harold will be remembered for dedicating his life to and promoting the Amana Colonies. He retired from Amana Refrigeration Inc., where he worked as an editor and graphic designer for 20 years. His many achievements focused on preserving the Amanas’ unique heritage. He was a founder of the Amana Colonies Land Use District and helped lead the campaign to designate the Amanas as a National Historic Register site. He opened Die Heimat Motor Hotel in 1963, the first tourist hotel in the modern Amanas. He created his successful business, Colony Visits/Heritage Destinations providing guided tours of the Colony and leading tours to historic sites in the U.S. and Germany. His vision and determination resulted in forming the Amana Heritage Society. He served as an Amana Church Elder for thirty years. He also served his country in the United States Army from 1964 to 1966 with an honorable discharge from the Medics Corps as PFC.

Throughout his long life, Harold was a devoted son, Amana Church Elder, and innovative entrepreneur. He promoted Amana values and traditions and shared his love of Amana by drawing tourists to visit and learn about our rich culture. His values are true Amana values.

Harold was a vibrant, respected leader, contributor and champion for the Amana Church, the preservation of Amana culture, Amana tourism and the Amana people. He is quintessential “old” Amana through and through. His smile and generous spirit will be missed by all.

Donations honoring Harold W. Pitz can be made in his name to the Amana Heritage Society and the Amana Church Society.

A Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Amana Church in Middle Amana. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Amana Church in Middle Amana. Powell Funeral Home in Marengo is caring for Harold and his family. Messages may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com